Donald Trump has appointed Erika Kirk to a new position which was previously held by her late husband, Charlie Kirk.
Erika, 37, has been appointed by Trump, 79, to serve on the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, according to the board’s website.
The site states, “The Board inquires into the morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods and other matters relating to the Academy which the Board decides to consider.”
The board also makes recommendations to the Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, and President Trump, according to USA Today.
“President Trump made the perfect choice in appointing Erika Kirk to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors,” White House spokesperson, Olivia Wales, said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
Wales also confirmed that Turning Point USA founder Charlie had previously served on the board.
The conservative commentator was fatally shot at age 31 while speaking at a campus event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 of last year.
Wales added in the statement, “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.”
“Erika Kirk will continue his legacy, and 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,” the spokesperson continued.
Fox News Digital stated that Charlie had been tapped to serve on the board last year.
Turning Point USA didn’t immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment regarding Erika being appointed to the position.
Erika is among five people listed under the “Appointed by the President” section on the board’s website. One spot in the section is listed as vacant. There are 16 seats altogether on the board.
The board’s chairman, August Pfluger — representative for Texas’ 11th congressional district — said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, “I applaud President Trump for appointing Erika Kirk to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.”
“I encouraged this appointment as 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,” he added. “I look forward to working alongside her to carry on Charlie’s legacy.”
A U.S. Air Force Academy spokesperson said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE, “The U.S. Air Force Academy thanks all members of the USAFA Board of Visitors for their service and commitment to our mission.”
“Under statute, the institution does not influence or take a position on the selection of individual Board of Visitors members. In accordance with federal law, Board appointments are made independently by the President of the United States and Congressional leaders in both the House and Senate, and the Board provides reports and recommendations to the Secretary of War and Secretary of the Air Force,” they added.
After Charlie Kirk’s death in September, Erika also became the CEO of Turning Point USA. The widowed mother of two’s late spouse co-founded the nonprofit when he was 18 years old to advocate for conservative politics on high school and college campuses, and became known for debating people at his signature “Prove Me Wrong” table.