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Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson is rejoining the Trump administration, this time as an adviser to the Agriculture Department on nutrition, health and housing issues.
The department announced Wednesday that Carson, a retired neurosurgeon and 2016 Republican presidential candidate, will serve as a senior adviser to President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. He will also work alongside Rollins on Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” Commission.
“There is no one more qualified than Dr. Carson to advise on policies that improve Americans’ everyday quality of life, from nutrition to healthcare quality to ensuring families have access to safe and stable housing,” Rollins said in a statement.
“With six in ten Americans living with at least one chronic disease, and rural communities facing unique challenges with respect to adequate housing, Dr. Carson’s insight and experience is critical,” she continued.
Carson previously served as Trump’s Housing and Urban Development secretary during the president’s first term. Scott Turner currently holds that post in the administration’s second term.
In his new role, Carson will help shape policy on rural healthcare, nutrition standards and access to affordable housing. His appointment comes as the administration has approved waivers in 12 states barring Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from using benefits to purchase soda, candy and other junk food.
SNAP, previously known as food stamps, provides financial support for low-income Americans to buy groceries. Federal officials have argued that limiting unhealthy purchases will combat obesity and chronic disease, particularly in communities with limited access to nutritious food.
“Today, too many Americans are suffering from the effects of poor nutrition,” Carson said in a statement. “Through common-sense policymaking, we have an opportunity to give our most vulnerable families the tools they need to flourish. I am honored to work with Secretary Rollins on these important initiatives to help fulfill President Trump’s vision for a healthier, stronger America.”
Carson spent nearly three decades leading pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, a role he took on at just 33, making him the youngest person to head a major division in the hospital’s history, the USDA noted. In 1987, he gained international recognition after successfully separating conjoined twins joined at the back of the head.
Throughout his career, Carson has been honored with numerous awards for his medical and humanitarian contributions, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.