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Donald Trump has officially chosen retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Carson’s appointment to lead the revitalization of American cities has been viewed by many as another case of the president-elect’s unconventional approach.
“Ben Carson has a brilliant mind and is passionate about strengthening communities and families within those communities,” Trump articulated in a Monday morning statement. “We have talked at length about my urban renewal agenda and our message of economic revival, very much including our inner cities.”
Ben Carson, who has no known housing policy expertise, could bring a unique perspective to the position.
How will Carson’s experience as a medical professional impact his role as the head of HUD? Will his neurosurgery background provide a regimented analytical approach? Will it be indicative of a person who is empathetic and considerate of others’ struggles?
As a retired neurosurgeon, Carson possesses the intelligence to resolve complex situations with timely solutions; life or death scenarios that are not unlike those of the housing ecosystem in gravity and intricacy. Carson will be able to apply the capability he displayed in the medical field to housing, possibly originating innovative solutions to the problems affecting America’s cities.
HUD, a government agency carrying a $47 billion budget, is dedicated to assisting low-income families, keeping homeowners in their homes and improving American communities; but Carson has expressed criticism of and opposition to government programs in the past, emphasizing individual responsibility over government assistance. What will this mean for Americans relying on HUD’s assistance?
Carson knows what it’s like to live in a disadvantaged area and experienced firsthand the deficiencies in these communities. Will his policies indicate an understanding of everyday Americans, or reiterate the feared disconnect between American citizens and our government?
Ben Carson is uniquely positioned as HUD Secretary. What roles will his lack of housing policy expertise and personal views play? Many prominent figures have excelled in positions and industries where their careers did not begin, and not just anybody has the personal strength and work ethic to become a leading neurosurgeon. Can Ben Carson positively impact American housing?