Gayle King’s job is up for grabs and sources say CBS is considering Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, to replace her as co-host of CBS Mornings.
CBS News announced “A Townhall with Erika Kirk” to be moderated by CBS News editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss. Erika will discuss the murder of her husband, Charlie, rising political violence in America, the future of the conservative movement, and her faith.
JUST ANNOUNCED: @CBSNews to present A TOWNHALL WITH ERIKA KIRK moderated by CBS News editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss. Kirk will talk about the murder of her husband, Charlie Kirk, rising political violence in America, the future of the right, and faith.
? Watch Sat., Dec. 13 at… pic.twitter.com/Driz92ITwm
— CBS News PR (@CBSNewsPress) December 4, 2025
Erika, 37, rose to prominence in America after her husband was tragically killed by a sniper on September 10, in Orem, Utah.
The widowed mom-of-2 was appointed the chairwoman and CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the conservative organization which Charlie co-founded.
The former beauty queen participated in the Miss Arizona USA and Miss USA pageants in 2012. She is the founder of the non-profits Everyday Heroes Like You and BIBLEin365.
Recently, an insider told RadarOnline that CBS will not renew Gayle King’s $15 million annual salary which is set to expire in May 2026.
Another source said Bari was considering replacing Gayle with former “Today Show” co-host Hoda Kotb (pictured).
“People with big salaries and small ratings are going to be mercilessly cut – and Gayle fits the bill in both categories,” the source told RadarOnline.
The source added: “Bari [Weiss] wants a huge name who brings warmth, credibility – and viewers. And Hoda checks every box.”
The news that Erika might sit in Gayle King’s chair was met with surprise and criticism. CBS viewers say Gayle should be replaced by another person of color, not a privileged multi-millionaire.
One person on the LGBT+ board Data Lounge wrote sarcastically, “This will surely get the highest ratings in CBS history.”
Someone else wrote on X (Twitter), “CBS just lost all credibility. Jesus Christ.”
Others chastised Erika for being a “grifter”. One person wrote: “Lemme just flaunt my millions for Jesus while we run a little op for Benny Netanyahu and mainstream a child-grooming org called TPUSA. What a f–ing grifter con.”
A second person tweeted: “Really sad to see the network of Cronkite and Murrow brought so low.”
