Dr. Ben Carson, President Trump’s former Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development during his first term, has been sworn in as an advisor for nutrition, health, and housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“Today, too many Americans are suffering from the effects of poor nutrition. Through common-sense policymaking, we have an opportunity to give our most vulnerable families the tools they need to flourish,” Carson said upon being sworn in. “I am honored to work with Secretary Rollins on these important initiatives to help fulfill President Trump’s vision for a healthier, stronger America.”
Carson’s role will see him advise President Trump and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on policies pertaining to nutrition, rural healthcare, and housing accessibility, the USDA explained.
“With six in ten Americans living with at least one chronic disease, and rural communities facing unique challenges with respect to adequate housing, Dr. Carson’s insight and experience is critical. Dr. Carson will be crucial to implementing the rural health investment provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill and advise on America First polices related to nutrition, health, and housing,” Rollins said, in part. “As the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the first Trump Administration, Dr. Carson worked to expand opportunity and strengthen communities, and we are honored to welcome him to the second Trump Administration to help lead our efforts here at USDA to Make America Healthy Again and ensure rural America continues to prosper.”
President Trump announced over the weekend that he plans to award Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“We are going to be presenting Dr. Ben Carson with the highest civilian award and honor in our country. It’s the civilian version of the Medal of Honor, which is our highest military award. It’s the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Trump said during an event with the Carson-founded American Cornerstone Institute.
