'This Is All Perfectly Normal' – Candace Owens Mocks Erika Kirk as Trump Appoints Widow to Air Force Academy Board

US President Donald Trump recently appointed Charlie Kirk's widow, the chief executive of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), Erika Kirk, to the US Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors.

Following the news of the appointment, Candace Owens, conservative commentator and media personality who is recently known as Erika's critic, has mocked the appointment, calling it 'perfectly normal'. Netizens also reacted to the news, as some reports indicate that the 37-year-old CEO was appointed to continue her husband's 'legacy' and that she was 'quietly' added to the board.

Trump Appointed Erika Kirk

President Trump appointed Erika to continue her late husband's legacy, who was tapped by the president in March 2025 to be part of the US Air Force Academy's Board of Visitors.

As of Tuesday, 10 March, Erika was listed on the website as an appointee of the President, USA TODAY reported. Some reports tagged her appointment as 'quietly' made as it appears that it occurred over the weekend.

Erika was among the six appointees directly selected by the president to sit on the 16-person advisory board. Among the 16 board members are Republican and Democratic lawmakers from states such as Alabama, Colorado, and North Dakota, as well as retired Air Force Col. Doug 'Stoli' Nikolai.

White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales confirmed the TPUSA CEO's appointment. She said in a statement to USA TODAY: 'President Trump made the perfect choice in appointing Erika Kirk to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors.'

In another statement reported by the Independent, Wales said that Erika will continue Charlie's legacy, who proudly served on the board, and who inspired '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,' Wales added.

Candace Owens Mocks the Appointment

Following the news of Erika's appointment, Owens, who has repeatedly and continues to target Charlie's widow, wasted no time in mocking the announcement.

On her X post, Candace Owens called the addition of the TPUSA CEO to the board 'perfectly normal', sarcastically saying people do not have the right to question Erika's qualifications for the position because she is grieving.

She wrote: '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.'

Netizens' Reaction to the Appointment

Netizens have also expressed their opinion on the appointment, but it is noticeably mixed. Podcaster Zach Costello said on an X post: 'I'm sorry, but being the widow of an influential husband does not qualify you to advise the Defense Department about Air Force standards.'

Another X user wrote: 'Lmao, imagine dedicating your entire life to climbing the military ladder, and then being overruled by a dead podcaster's wife.'

Meanwhile, some people think that Erika's appointment was a great move: 'Congratulations! Erika Kirk's vision and leadership will be a great asset to the Academy. Excellent appointment.'

Another netizen said that the appointment is appropriate since the position was previously held by Erika's late husband.

They wrote: '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.'

Erika Kirk's Responsibilities

While Erika does not have any formal military training or experience, her tasks in the board will likely focus on looking into the academy's morale, discipline, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, financial affairs, academic methods, and other matters.

However, the Board of Visitors is also tasked to make recommendations to the secretary of War, formally the Secretary of Defense, and to the president.

During Charlie's time on the board, the conservative activist only attended one meeting, and while serving, according to the meeting minutes, he recommended speedier renovations for the academy chapel, as reported by the Stars and Stripes.