Ben Carson Sworn in at Key Department of Agriculture Post
Former Housing and Urban Development Director returns to Trump administration
Published September 26, 2025

Dr. Ben Carson was sworn in on Wednesday to a key post in the Department of Agriculture as the Trump administration brings public health and nutrition into focus.

Carson, who was the former Director of Housing and Urban Development in President Trump’s first term, was appointed to serve as national advisor for nutrition, health and housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“As National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing, Dr. Carson will advise both President Trump and Secretary Rollins on policies related to nutrition, rural healthcare quality, and housing accessibility,” a USDA news release stated after his appointment.

The appointment comes after Carson was already serving as Vice Chair of the Religious Liberty Commission which President Trump established in May.

The appointment of Carson to the USDA comes as the Trump administration has brought healthcare policy and nutrition into focus led by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr.

Carson voiced his commitment to President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda in a statement on Wednesday. (RELATED: Green Bay School District Now Required To Proctor Own Elections)

“Today, too many Americans are suffering from the effects of poor nutrition,” Carson said. “Through common-sense policymaking, we have an opportunity to give our most vulnerable families the tools they need to flourish.”

One of the more consequential aspects of Carson’s role will reportedly be implementing the $50 billion rural health initiative passed in the Big Beautiful Bill.

The fund will be used to promote care interventions, pay for healthcare services, expand the rural health workforce, and provide technical assistance to rural hospitals.

“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,” said USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in a statement. (RELATED: Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany Launches Campaign for Governor)