Erika Kirk, the Turning Point USA CEO, has been appointed to the Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors in the place of her late husband Charlie Kirk. This 16-member Board is responsible for making recommendations to the Defense Secretary for changes at the Air Force Academy. The board did not announce Erika Kirk’s appointment though her name now appears on the list of members, reports claimed. “Charlie Kirk served proudly on the Board, inspiring not only the next generation of servicemembers, but millions around the world with his bold Christian faith, defense of the truth, and deep love of country,” White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said in a statement. “Erika Kirk will continue his legacy, and will be a fearless advocate for the most elite airpower force in the history of the world whose warriors keep our Nation safe, strong, and free.”“Erika is the right person to fill Charlie’s place on the board and continue his work of inspiring the next generation of service members and advancing the academy,” Rep. August Pfluger (R-Texas), the board’s chair, told NBC affiliate KOAA. “I look forward to working alongside her to carry on Charlie’s legacy,” said Pfluger, who claimed that he recommended Erika Kirk’s appointment months ago.

Major row over Erika’s appointment

Social media users, especially those on the side of Candace Owens who has been publicly shaming Erika Kirk, questioned why Erika was chosen given that she had no military experience, many commented that she only got Charlie’s post and not a new post. “Such unnecessary outrage. Charlie was on the board. His position opened up when he was assassinated. It’s appropriate to have his widow take his place. You would have known that if you’d taken even one minute to understand the context. But no. Outrage is your only response,” one wrote. “Who is she really? Why would she be appointed to that particular position?” one asked. “This Erika Kirk appointment to this Air Force Academy Board happened quietly over the weekend, with no formal announcement. I’m sorry, but being the widow of an influential husband does not qualify you to advise the Defense Department about Air Force standards,” activist Zach Costello wrote.