President Donald Trump has appointedErika Kirkto the US Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors this week, filling the seat left by her late husband, Charlie Kirk.

The decision has sparked a heated debate across Washington and on social media about herlack of military or academic experiencefor such a high-level advisory role. Critics, including former allies, are now questioning whether the move is a meaningful tribute or simply an act of political nepotism.

At 37, Erika Kirk has been added to the 16-member board of visitors alongside several other supporters of US President Donald Trump. This panel is tasked with examining the Colorado Springs facility's internal operations, including its financial dealings, teaching standards, and the general conduct and wellbeing of its students.

Trump had originally selected Kirk's spouse for the committee a year ago, where he served until he was fatally shot during a presentation at Utah Valley University last September. Following that tragedy, the seat remained open until his widow was recently named as his successor.

While the academy did not issue a formal statement regarding her promotion,newsof the change broke on Tuesday through The Hill and other political outlets. Erika Kirk has already been added to the official roster as one of the president's five current designees, leaving just one remaining vacancy on the panel.

Alongside Kirk, the president chose other notable figures for the role, including Alabama's Republican senator Tommy Tuberville. Joining them is Dina Powell, who previously served as a deputy national security adviser for strategy during the initial Trump term.

BREAKING: Donald Trump has appointed Erika Kirk to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, taking the position her late husband Charlie was set to hold before he was assassinated.She will serve on the panel overseeing morale, discipline, curriculum and fiscal affairs at…pic.twitter.com/eJW7ffeyOF

Most of the remaining seats are filled by bipartisan members of Congress. This includes two Republican senators, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota and Oklahoma's Markwayne Mullin, both of whom were selected by Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Notably, Mullin was recently chosen by the president to lead the Department of Homeland Security, succeeding the dismissed secretary, Kristi Noem.

President Trump's decision to appoint Charlie Kirk's widow to the US Air Force Academy'sBoard of Visitorshas drawn sharp criticism from a range of opponents. On Tuesday, conservative commentatorCandace Owensjoined the fray, openly questioning 'what the hell' qualifies Erika for such a role.

She’s a grieving widow so we have no right to ask what the hell qualifies her to a position advising our Defense Department.This is all perfectly normal and only people who are DEMONIC would question this appointment.https://t.co/gXbDpTxpGB

Source: International Business Times UK