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
Farm CPA Paul Nieffer explains the Farmer Bridge Assistance payment limits, provides clarity on new legislation, and offers advice for producers considering business structure adjustments.
A man accused of orchestrating a nationwide cattle investment fraud scheme has been arrested in California after being on the FBI’s wanted list.
Refining shifts could influence fuel and input costs.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold provides insights on supporting aging populations in rural communities on this week’s Rural Health Matters segment.
OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Kansas congressman Dan Glickman joined RFD News to share his outlook on agricultural policy, bipartisan cooperation, and the challenges facing farmers today.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney shares insights from new Real Agri-Studies research surrounding the relationship between farmers and their lenders and what it reveals about the current farm economy.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum explains how geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East could further tighten fertilizer movement, increase fuel costs, and complicate planting decisions for U.S. farmers this spring.
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins discusses the potential impact of data center growth on farmland, the Landowner Fairness Act, and key priorities for Missouri farmers heading into planting season.
Ben Kurtzman with American Farmland Trust discusses the growing pressure on farmland and ranchland and the steps being taken to help conserve farms and ranches across the country ,as unrest in the Middle East adds more obstacles for producers.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson warns that rising electricity demand from AI and data centers could strain the grid and affect rural electric cooperatives if U.S. power infrastructure cannot keep up.
Tidal Grow’s AlignN delivers encapsulated nitrogen to leaves, boosting in-season response, yield gains, and farm profits.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.