It’s official — Ben Carson accepted President-elect Donald Trump’s offer to become the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
For HousingWire readers, this news isn’t surprising since we exclusively reported Carson’s intention to accept the nomination last week.
Sources close to the nomination process confirmed to us that Carson would accept the role, and even the retired neurosurgeon and GOP presidential candidate hinted on Twitter about his intentions.
An announcement is forthcoming about my role in helping to make America great again. https://t.co/jGRyzFRBAK
— Dr. Ben Carson (@RealBenCarson) November 23, 2016
Although many expected Carson to announce his acceptance after the Thanksgiving holiday, a week passed in silence. In the meantime, other appointments were made, including Quicken Loans executive vice president Shawn Krause, who was named to the HUD transition team.
Whatever the reason, there’s no further room for speculation. Trump officially offered, and Carson accepted, the new role as HUD secretary. Now the only thing standing in Carson's way is approval from Congress.
“I am thrilled to nominate Dr. Ben Carson as our next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,” Trump said. “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,” he said. “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 thrilled to nominate Dr. @RealBenCarson as our next Secretary of the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development: https://t.co/zYGi8fGnL5 pic.twitter.com/1D9NXlHc2b
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 5, 2016
Trump's team also put out an official statement on the President-elect's Facebook page.
From the post:
President-Elect Donald J. Trump Intends to Nominate Dr. Ben Carson as Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“I am honored to accept the opportunity to serve our country in the Trump administration,” Carson said. “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.”
As far as the housing industry, reactions to Carson’s nomination vary wildly. Many are confused about Carson’s nomination to HUD, given his background as a neurosurgeon, and some even go as far as to say this nomination proves the new administration doesn’t care about housing.
On the other hand, as HousingWire's Brena Swanson explains here, his nomination has certainly put the public’s attention on the position.
Before Carson accepted the position, rumors swirled about the possibility of Pam Patenaude, who currently serves as the president of the J. Ronald Terwilliger Foundation for Housing America's Families, and Robert Woodson, who runs the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise in Washington, D.C., taking the top position at HUD.
