Trump Nominates Ben Carson to Lead HUD

MBA Pledges to Support Transition

President-Elect Donald Trump yesterday nominated Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon and former rival presidential candidate, as HUD Secretary.

“I am thrilled to nominate Dr. Ben Carson as our next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,” Trump said in a statement. “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.”

“I am honored to accept the opportunity to serve our country in the Trump administration,” Carson said in a statement. “I feel that I can make a significant contribution particularly by strengthening communities that are most in need. We have much work to do in enhancing every aspect of our nation and ensuring that our nation’s housing needs are met.”

Mortgage Bankers Association President and CEO David Stevens issued a statement. “On behalf of the MBA I want to congratulate Dr. Ben Carson on being chosen to be nominated as the Secretary of HUD. Housing is one of the largest contributors to the health and success of the overall economy, and as such we must continue to recognize its significance. MBA looks forward to working with Dr. Carson in helping to build out a well-rounded team of housing experts, with a deep technical understanding of the issues, at HUD, FHA and Ginnie Mae. MBA wishes Dr. Carson and the rest of the administration success as they get ready to embark upon these next four years.”

Carson, 65, grew up in Detroit, graduating from Yale University and the University of Michigan. He became a recognized neurosurgeon who served as director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland, where he became known for his work separating conjoined twins.

Carson announced his candidacy for president in 2015 and enjoyed an early surge in national polls before losing momentum to Trump earlier this year.

Carson will require confirmation by the Senate.