USDA: Dr. Ben Carson Sworn in as National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing

As National Advisor, Carson will counsel both President Trump and Secretary Rollins on nutrition, healthcare access in rural areas, and housing. He will also serve as a key member of the MAHA Commission.

dr-carson-natl-nutrition-advisor-swearing-in_crop_USDA.jpg

U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins swearing in Dr. Ben Carson as the National Advisor on Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2025)

The United States Department of Agriculture

WASHINGTON (RFD-TV) — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced today that Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr., M.D., has been sworn in as the National Advisor for Nutrition, Health, and Housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Rollins praised Carson’s background in medicine and public service, noting his prior role as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during the first Trump Administration.

“There is no one more qualified than Dr. Carson to advise on policies that improve Americans’ everyday quality of life, from nutrition to healthcare quality to ensuring families have access to safe and stable housing,” Rollins said.

She emphasized that Carson’s work will be especially relevant for addressing rural health needs and implementing provisions of Pres. Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act.

“Dr. Carson will be crucial to implementing the rural health investment provisions … and help lead our efforts to Make America Healthy Again,” she added.

Carson said he is honored to take on the role: “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.”

As National Advisor, Carson will counsel both President Trump and Secretary Rollins on nutrition, healthcare access in rural areas, and housing. He will also serve as a key member of the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission and work closely with the USDA’s Rural Development Mission Area.

Carson is the founder and chairman of the American Cornerstone Institute and, most recently, served as the 17th Secretary of HUD. A renowned neurosurgeon, he spent nearly 30 years as Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, where he performed pioneering surgeries, including the first successful separation of craniopagus twins joined at the back of the head.

His career achievements have earned him numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award.

Related Stories
Better access to patient data could improve care and reduce administrative burdens.
Supporters say mandatory country-of-origin labeling would improve transparency, while analysts say the proposal still faces hurdles.
The setback leaves the 2018 Farm Bill operating under its third consecutive extension. That authorization expires September 30.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis reports district hemp plantings fell about 85 percent from their 2019 peak by 2025.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Federal and state officials emphasize that surveillance, sterile fly releases, and cooperation with Mexico are vital to stop New World screwworm in the U.S.
Secretary Brooke Rollins Highlights USDA’s Readiness Ahead of Douglas Port Reopening and Continued Aggressive Response to New World Screwworm
Crop conditions in several of the nation’s top corn-producing states remain below where they were at this point last year.
The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement remains in effect, but the United States declined automatic renewal, triggering annual reviews unless the three countries later approve an extension.
Soda discusses her upcoming appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast with host Kirbe Schnoor about mental health advocacy and Nationwide’s efforts to support the next generation of agriculture leaders.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum joins us to discuss USDA’s latest reports on crop acreage and grain stocks, and how they impact farm margins and trade outlook moving forward.