Ben Carson Clarifies Position Amidst Rumors of Joining Second Trump Administration
In a recent statement, former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson addressed rampant speculation surrounding his potential appointment as the U.S. surgeon general in what would be a second Trump administration. Carson’s remarks came on Sunday, as he confirmed his intention to meet with President-elect Donald Trump in the near future.
Rumors Dispelled
Carson, who notably served as the HUD Secretary from 2017 to 2021, took to social media platform X to clarify these erroneous reports. In his post, he expressed enthusiasm over the upcoming dialogue with Trump and the opportunity to advance the “America First” agenda.
“I am excited to speak with President Trump about how I will continue to advance the America First agenda, and I am meeting with him in the near future,” Carson wrote.
“However, contrary to reports, I will not be serving as the Surgeon General.”
The Role of the Surgeon General
The U.S. surgeon general, while not a Cabinet-level position, holds significant responsibilities as the head of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. This role exists under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). According to the HHS website, the surgeon general serves as the “Nation’s Doctor,” tasked with providing Americans with essential health information and overseeing the elite group of more than 6,000 public health professionals within the Corps.
Carson’s Political Stance
Throughout his career, Carson has been a vocal critic of the Biden administration and a staunch supporter of former President Trump. Following Trump’s victory in the recent elections, Carson took to social media to congratulate him, affirming his belief in a brighter future for the nation.
“Congratulations to my good friend and the next President of the United States, @realdonaldtrump!! As I said earlier today, God is not done with our country. Let’s get to work.”
Cabinet Positions Still Open
Carson’s comments come at a time when several key positions in Trump’s cabinet remain unfilled. Noteworthy roles such as Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of the Treasury are still up for grabs. Additionally, the appointments for HUD Secretary, Secretary of Agriculture, and Secretary of Education are yet to be announced as well.
Recent Appointments
On Saturday, Trump made headlines by appointing Chris Wright, the CEO of Liberty Energy, as the Secretary of Energy. Trump praised Wright as “a leading technologist and entrepreneur in energy,” marking a significant step in shaping his new administration.
Looking Ahead
As the second Trump administration begins to take shape, anticipation grows around who will occupy the remaining cabinet positions and what new policies will emerge. Carson’s assertion to advance the “America First” agenda suggests that he will remain a significant player in Republican politics even if not in a formal government role.
Conclusion
While Carson will not assume the role of U.S. surgeon general, his enthusiastic engagement with Trump and focus on public health matters indicate his continued involvement in shaping the future of America’s healthcare policy. As the incoming administration prepares to take office, the political landscape remains dynamic, and many are watching closely for further developments.
