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
Florida’s import rule shows New World screwworm concerns are already affecting livestock movement and market conditions.
Rep. Adrian Smith joins us to discuss the push for nationwide year-round E15 sales and legislative hurdles for getting it into the farm bill.
Diversified risk tools help protect farm income.
The Supreme Court’s ruling could affect pesticide warning claims well beyond Roundup. Richard Gupton with the Ag Retailers Association joins us to explain the importance of federal pesticide labeling standards and discuss the potential impact on the ag industry and supply chain.
Farm Credit’s Christy Seyfert joined us to discuss the ag industry’s push for swift Farm Bill action as it heads toward a House vote.
Bridge payments are helping, but many producers still face losses and tight margins. AEM’s Curt Blades joins us to discuss how the current farm economy is pressuring equipment demand.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Feed demand and premiums drive growth for the crop
Purdue economist Dr. Joana Colussi discussed the U.S. and Brazil’s reliance on imported fertilizers and their impact on global food security amid rising input costs.
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper joined us to discuss the proposed E15 amendment in the Farm Bill, industry reaction to the legislation, and the outlook for year-round E15 sales.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins plans a farm visit in Missouri, hinting at a possible fertilizer relief announcement on RFD-TV earlier this week. USDA also restructures its research infrastructure and launches new food-safety centers.
As part of this effort, USDA will establish a new National Food Safety Center (NFSC) in Urbandale, Iowa, which will serve as the primary hub for FSIS administrative, technical, and support operations.
Kansas row crop farmer Brad Keeler joins us to discuss drought conditions, planting decisions, input costs, and overall farmer sentiment in his region.