1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

Oppose Unqualified Military Academy Appointments Our military academies exist to produce the finest officers in the world — not to reward political allies. I am writing because that principle is being violated right now, and I need you to act. As a constituent who believes our national security depends on the institutional integrity of our armed forces, I am deeply troubled by President Trump's appointment of Erika Kirk to the United States Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. Mrs. Kirk is the CEO of Turning Point USA and widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. She has no military service record, no national security experience, and no background in military education. Her only apparent qualification is her connection to the MAGA political movement. This appointment has been reported by The Hill, the Associated Press, and HuffPost, and has drawn criticism even from within conservative circles — with some calling it "DEI on steroids," the very accusation this administration levels at its opponents. This is not just politically embarrassing — it is legally questionable. Federal law requires that the Board of Visitors include members with genuine expertise in military education (10 U.S.C. § 9455). The Board oversees cadet morale, curriculum, fiscal affairs, and academic standards, reporting directly to the Secretary of Defense and to your committee. The Federal Advisory Committee Act further mandates that such oversight bodies be fairly balanced in terms of qualifications and function (5 U.S.C. App. 2). Stacking the Board with partisan loyalists who have never served a day in uniform undermines both statutes. The Constitution's Appointments Clause itself presupposes that those appointed to positions of public trust are capable of executing their duties — a standard this appointment does not meet. I am asking you to do two things. First, formally call for the rescission of Erika Kirk's appointment and use your Armed Services Committee authority to demand that all presidential appointees to military academy Boards of Visitors meet minimum standards of relevant military, educational, or national security experience. Second, sponsor or co-sponsor legislation amending 10 U.S.C. § 9455 to codify those qualification standards into law — closing the loophole that allows appointments like this one to happen at all. The cadets training at the Air Force Academy will one day lead Americans in combat. They deserve to be evaluated and overseen by people who understand what that mission requires. Every unqualified political appointee placed in a position of military oversight is a small erosion of the readiness and credibility our armed forces depend on. I expect a written response stating your position on this appointment and the steps you intend to take. I will be sharing your response — or your silence — with my community. Respectfully,