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
For many farm businesses, property taxes on business assets have become a significant and highly visible expense, threatening liquidity, discouraging investment, and creating a disproportionate burden when compared to other industries.
Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.
The ACRE Act modestly reduces farmland borrowing costs now, with more savings possible once federal guidance clarifies which loans qualify.
Higher menu prices and tax-free tips are reshaping restaurant economics, sharply lifting server take-home pay even as diners face higher out-the-door costs.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is helping connect veterans with resources to pursue careers in farming and agriculture.
Manure from a hog farm is more than just waste; it is also becoming a key renewable resource for operations.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down the scope of the U.S. Christmas Tree industry and what growers are up against.
Canadian tariffs would raise costs for potash, ammonia, and UAN, increasing spring fertilizer risk.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities breaks down the outlook on grain storage and domestic supply chain strength as producers weigh planting decisions with forthcoming federal aid.
Experts say flooding the zone with more money could have unintented consequences without opening new markets for planted crops and inputs under significant pressure.
Julie Callahan was nominated earlier this summer by President Donald Trump, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told lawmakers she is ready to hit the ground running.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins signed six MAHA waivers for SNAP in Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.
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.