Former presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson, who moved to the Sunshine State after ending his celebrated medical career at Johns Hopkins, will serve in the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, a former rival back in the presidential primaries.
On Monday, Trump announced that Carson is his selection to lead the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
“I am thrilled to nominate Dr. Ben Carson as our next secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,” Trump said on Monday morning. “Ben Carson has a brilliant mind and is passionate about strengthening communities and families within those communities. We have talked at length about my urban renewal agenda and our message of economic revival, very much including our inner cities. Ben shares my optimism about the future of our country and is part of ensuring that this is a presidency representing all Americans. He is a tough competitor and never gives up.”
“I am honored to accept the opportunity to serve our country in the Trump administration,” said Carson. “I feel that I can make a significant contribution particularly by strengthening communities that are most in need. We have much work to do in enhancing every aspect of our nation and ensuring that our nation’s housing needs are met.”
Originally from Detroit, Carson’s career as one of the world’s leading neurosurgeons garnered national attention and honors, including being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from then President George W. Bush in 2008. After criticizing President Barack Obama’s federal health-care law at the National Prayer Breakfast, Carson became a favorite of conservatives. Carson sought the Republican presidential nomination and moved up to the top of the polls at the start of the cycle before fading and dropping out of the race after poor showings in key early states like Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina.
