President-elect Trump on Monday announced his intention to nominate Dr. Ben Carson as his secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Carson was expected to take on this role for Trump just before Thanksgiving, but wanted more time to think about whether he was ready for the Cabinet position. Trump said there was no question Carson was ready to take on the job.
“I am thrilled to nominate Dr. Ben Carson as our next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,” Trump said 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,” he added.
Carson said he was “honored” to be chosen.
“I feel that I can make a significant contribution particularly by strengthening communities that are most in need,” he said. “We have much work to do in enhancing every aspect of our nation and ensuring that our nation’s housing needs are met.”
Some have criticized Trump’s expected choice by saying Carson has no real experience dealing with federal housing issues. But Carson has slammed President Obama’s proposed rule aimed at making racial diversity exists in across the country, a sign he would look to pare back or eliminate that rule.
Trump also gave Carson credit for growing up in Detroit, Michigan, and for starting a scholarship fund that helps “students from all backgrounds that achieve at the highest academic levels and community service.”
