Trump Officially Taps Carson for HUD Secretary

As initially reported by DS News, President-elect Donald Trump has been on-record that he favored Dr. Ben Carson as the next HUD Secretary. On Monday, CNN reported that this preference became official with Trump's transition team announcing the appointment.

According to CNN, in the announcement Trump praised Carson, 65, for his intelligence and tenacity, saying, "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."

Carson, a retired neurosurgeon who became a household name last year when he began a campaign to win the Republican nomination for the presidency, has never served in a government position.

"Dr Carson is an intelligent, impassioned, and empathetic individual," said Tim Rood, Chairman of The Collingwood Group. "Sometimes the very best policy makers are those who listen and sometimes, good leaders who are not steeped in the subject matter are better listeners than those who believe they have all the answers. After a challenging eight years, what HUD and the country really needs now is an opportunity for our public officials to address problems from a fresh and open-minded perspective and listen to the industry."

“Hailing from Detroit, Dr. Carson is all too familiar with the housing issues related to inner-city housing,” said Ed Delgado, Five Star Institute President and CEO. “It is our hope that, as HUD Secretary, he puts forth policies and programs intended to rebuild markets hard hit by the Great Recession."

National Association of Realtors President William E. Brown stated, “Realtors know that the incoming Secretary of Housing and Urban Development has a big job ahead. Potential homebuyers face a range of hurdles, from rising prices to mortgage credit that’s burdened by fees and extra costs. We congratulate Dr. Carson on accepting this important challenge and wish him the very best of luck in meeting the task ahead. While we’ve made great strides in recent years, far more can be done to put the dream of homeownership in reach for more Americans. The National Association of Realtors and its 1.2 million members looks forward to working with Dr. Carson to fulfill this important mission.”

Carson, who was raised in the inner city of Detroit, told Neil Cavuto on November 22 that the inner cities are in "terrible shape" and need "real attention."

"You know, there have been so many promises made over the last several decades, and nothing has been done," Carson said. "So it certainly is something that has been a long-term interest of mine. And I'll be thinking and praying about it seriously."

Trump’s initial announcement in November that he was considering Carson to lead HUD came as a surprise to many because Carson reportedly said on November 15 that he does not want to serve in the Trump Administration.

On November 21, however, Carson told Fox News that he would give “very serious consideration” if he were offered a cabinet position in the Trump Administration. He explained his position via Facebook later that same day, saying, “There is no reversal of my position in terms of working with the Trump administration. I have always made it clear that I preferred to work outside of the government as an advisor, but if called upon, I would serve inside of the government. I believe it is important to have voices that are outside of the administration combating media bias and the divisiveness that has infected our country.”