President Donald Trump will award Dr. Ben Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his continued service to the nation, this time in his new role as National Nutrition Advisor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The announcement came Thursday, as Trump praised Carson’s dedication to promoting health, liberty, and prosperity for all Americans.
“Dr. Ben Carson will be an incredible National Nutrition Advisor… He is a true American Patriot who cares deeply for the people of our Country,” Trump stated, highlighting Carson’s life-long commitment to public service and national well-being.
Carson was sworn in as the USDA’s National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the end of September. The role was created to spearhead nutrition-focused reforms in federal food programs and promote healthier living, particularly for low-income families. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins administered the oath.
In his first statement as National Nutrition Advisor, Carson emphasized the need for “commonsense policymaking” to combat poor nutrition across the country. He said vulnerable families should be given the tools to flourish, aligning his work with Trump’s vision for “a healthier, stronger America.”
Carson previously served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during Trump’s first term. Known for his efforts to expand economic opportunity zones and reform public housing, Carson also served as Trump’s National Faith Chairman during the 2024 campaign. In that role, he championed religious freedom and deepened outreach to Christian communities.
A world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, Carson first received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008 from President George W. Bush for his contributions to medicine. This upcoming award from President Trump will mark the second time he receives the nation’s highest civilian honor—this time for his work in public policy and health advocacy.
In a recent interview, Carson discussed priorities for his USDA role, including improving access to nutritious foods through federal programs like SNAP. He stressed the importance of education in shaping dietary habits and criticized social systems that he said prioritize dependency over independence. Carson noted that certain political interests benefit from preserving poverty rather than solving it.
Trump and Carson have maintained a strong partnership since 2016, when Carson endorsed Trump’s candidacy after ending his own presidential bid. Carson has remained a central figure in the Trump movement, bringing medical expertise, Christian values, and policy leadership to the administration’s core initiatives.
