Ben Carson arrives at a National Day of Prayer event in the Rose Garden of the White House on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Washington. — AP Photo/Evan Vucci
President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he will award Ben Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. This marks the third such award Trump has announced this month.
“Congratulations, Ben. He didn’t know this,” Trump said during a speech at an event held at Mount Vernon for the American Cornerstone Institute, an organization founded by Carson. “He didn’t know it. I hope he’s happy.”
A former neurosurgeon who ran against Trump for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, Carson, 74, later served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during Trump’s first administration. Though once political rivals, the two developed a strong bond. Carson was even considered among the top contenders for Trump’s running mate in the 2024 campaign and served as Trump’s national faith chairman during last year’s race.
Known as a staunch social conservative, Carson has consistently opposed abortion rights and same-sex marriage. He has also become a popular conservative speaker and author.
The Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, is awarded to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public endeavors.
During his first term, Trump bestowed the honor on 24 people. Since his return to the White House, he has already announced two other recipients of the Medal of Freedom.
Trump did not specify a date for awarding the honor to Carson, but other honorees are already scheduled. Earlier this month, Trump announced he would bestow the award on former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was seriously injured in a car crash two days prior.
Additionally, during a September 11 commemoration event at the Pentagon, Trump stated he would posthumously award the Medal of Freedom to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically assassinated earlier this month. Trump plans to attend Kirk’s memorial service on Sunday in Arizona.
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