Donald Trump has appointed Erika Kirk, the widow of murdered rightwing activist Charlie Kirk, to a key advisory board of the US Air Force Academy. Kirk’s husband, who was shot and killed in September during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University, was appointed by Trump to the board a year earlier and served until his death. But her name has already been added to the list of members as one of Trump’s current five appointees, with one slot vacant. In a statement, White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said Erika Kirk was a “perfect choice” to succeed her husband. Kirk, a former Miss Arizona beauty pageant winner, was also recognized by Trump during the president’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in February.

Source: The Guardian March 11, 2026 00:44 UTC