Ben Carson is the ‘favorite’ to take a major position in Donald Trump’s cabinet
Dr. Ben Carson is the favorite to be nominated as Donald Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the battle for a spot in his Cabinet, multiple people familiar with the selection process tell DailyMail.com.
The 73-year-old retired neurosurgeon wants to return to the White House for a second stint after serving as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Trump’s first administration.
Carson was one of the few people who remained in Trump’s inner circle and believed he deserved a chance to be re-elected after the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot led to a slew of resignations and defections.
He was a wild card in the race for the vice presidency, with sources confirming that some closest to Trump’s inner circle pushed his selection. And he was a constant presence during the campaign as chairman of the newly elected president’s National Faith.
Dr. Ben Carson, 73, is the leading contender for the role of Donald Trump’s next secretary of Health and Human Services
Carson was a running mate candidate because of the deeply personal bond he has built with Trump, who said in May, two months before announcing his choice, that he would have done a “fantastic job” if he had joined the ticket.
Trump’s preference for Carson shows that he is rewarding allies who have stood with him in deciding who will fill the top positions.
The president-elect sits at Mar-a-Lago and is in constant discussions with top advisers — including billionaire Elon Musk — who are filling out his Cabinet as the clock ticks toward his Jan. 20 inauguration.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is also being touted for a role focused on healthcare under Trump’s slogan “Make America Healthy Again.”
But it is still unclear in which role he could end up.
The HHS secretary needs Senate confirmation, which for RFK Jr. complications due to his skepticism about vaccinations and other traditional medicines.
Carson has shown his loyalty by defending Trump during his third run for the White House.
Some sources confirmed to DailyMail.com that those in Trump’s inner circle were vying for him to select Ben Carson as his running mate in the 2024 election.
He predicted the Republican candidate would experience the surge in African-American support that would have helped him to a historic victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
During a storied medical career, he completed the first successful separation of conjoined twins attached at the back of the head.
In 2013, he rose to political prominence with a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast, where he denounced then-President Barack Obama’s health care policies.
After retiring as a surgeon the same year, he became a commentator on Fox News and then launched a presidential run in 2016.
With his Christian conservative views, he became a surprising frontrunner in the race.
But he left the primaries after Super Tuesday and has supported Trump ever since.
Sources told DailyMail.com that Carson is “competing” for a role and that HHS is the “best fit.”
Alongside fellow candidate Eric Hargan – who briefly served as acting HHS secretary in the first Trump administration – Carson is considered Trump’s preferred choice.