Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson, recently named National Nutrition Advisor at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump in recognition of his service and leadership.
Trump congratulated Dr. Carson on his new role and announcement On Thursday, Carson will soon receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
“Dr. Ben Carson will be an incredible National Nutrition Advisor for the United States Department of Agriculture. I will soon award Dr. Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He is a true American patriot who cares deeply for the people of our country and never stops working to protect and strengthen life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all. Congratulations Ben!” Trump wrote at Truth Social.
Carson, who led the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during Trump’s first term, was sworn in late September as USDA National Advisor on Nutrition, Health and Housing to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. The role focuses on improving the dietary health of Americans and strengthening food assistance programs through nutrition-focused reforms.
“Too many Americans today are suffering the effects of poor diets. Through common sense policy, we have the opportunity to give our most vulnerable families the tools they need to thrive,” Carson said in a statement at the time of his nomination. He added that his work with the department aims to “realize President Trump’s vision of a healthier, stronger America.”
Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon and former director of pediatric surgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, also served as National Faith Chairman for Trump’s 2024 campaign. In this capacity, he focused on outreach to religious communities and the promotion of religious freedom.
In an interview with Breitbart Daily NewsDr. Ben Carson describe his priorities in his new role at the Department of Agriculture, emphasizing efforts to improve access to healthy foods for families participating in federal programs such as SNAP. Carson also emphasized the importance of education to encourage healthier choices and noted that environmental and lifestyle factors significantly influence public health outcomes. In discussing broader policy challenges, Carson observed that some political and social structures resist reforms that promote independence, arguing that long-standing interests often rest on maintaining poverty rather than reducing it.
Carson was recognized awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2008 for his medical achievements. Trump’s upcoming presentation of the same honor will mark renewed recognition of his contributions to both public service and health care advocacy.
Trump’s announcement continues a partnership that began in 2016, when Carson supported his presidential campaign after suspending hers. Since then, Carson has remained an important voice in Trump’s policy efforts, now extending his leadership to the administration’s health and nutrition initiatives.
