It is hard to think of someone more deserving of the Presidential Medal of Freedom than Dr. Ben Carson, and President Trump made sure that recognition is finally happening.
During a Black History Month event at the White House marking the 100th anniversary of the observance, President Trump surprised attendees by announcing that Dr. Carson will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. That is the highest civilian honor in the country, just below the Congressional Medal of Honor. Not exactly a participation trophy.
“Ben’s getting the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” President Trump said to applause. “It’s the highest award you can have outside of the Congressional Medal of Honor.” He added, “Ben, I’ll be seeing you back here pretty soon. I think you’re going to get the award.”
The moment was classic Trump, equal parts celebration and straight talk. At one point the crowd even broke into chants of “four more years,” which probably did not thrill certain cable news producers. The event also included a tribute to Rev. Jesse Jackson. President Trump called him “a real hero” and said, “he really was special, with lots of personality, grit and street smarts.” It was a reminder that acknowledging accomplishments should not be partisan.
Dr. Carson’s career has been nothing short of remarkable. A world renowned pediatric neurosurgeon who separated conjoined twins and later served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in the first Trump administration, Carson has built a life around discipline, faith, and service. When President Trump introduced current HUD Secretary Scott Turner, he made a point to note that Carson had recommended him. Carson, in turn, praised Turner’s work on opportunity zones and described President Trump’s approach as one built on “public private partnerships and had everybody with skin in the game.”
Although he has kept a lower profile than during his time leading HUD, Dr. Carson continues to serve. In September, he was sworn in as National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said, “There is no one more qualified than Dr. Carson to advise on policies that improve Americans’ everyday quality of life.” She pointed to rising chronic disease and rural housing challenges as areas where Carson’s experience is vital.
Carson himself emphasized the stakes. “Today, too many Americans are suffering from the effects of poor nutrition. Through common-sense policymaking, we have an opportunity to give our most vulnerable families the tools they need to flourish,” he said.
That is the thread running through Carson’s life, opportunity. From a tough childhood in Detroit to the operating room to the Cabinet room, he has consistently focused on expanding opportunity rather than expanding excuses. Awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom is not just symbolic. It is a recognition that character, competence, and conviction still matter in public life.
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