Vice Chair of the Religious Liberty Commission Dr. Ben Carson speaks on the American Cornerstone Institute’s Fourth Annual Founders Dinner at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate in Mount Vernon, V.A., U.S., on September 20, 2025. | Photo Credit: Reuters
“Congratulations, Ben. He didn’t know this,” Mr. Trump stated in a speech throughout an occasion at Mount Vernon for American Cornerstone Institute, based by Mr. Carson. “He didn’t realize it. I hope he’s joyful.”
A former neurosurgeon who ran towards Mr. Trump for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, Mr. Carson, 74, went on to function Housing and Urban Development secretary throughout Mr. Trump’s first administration.
The one-time rivals developed a powerful bond, and Mr. Carson — seen at one level as among the many prime contenders for Mr. Trump’s operating mate within the 2024 marketing campaign — served as Mr. Trump’s nationwide religion chairman throughout final 12 months’s race.
A staunch social conservative who has opposed abortion rights and same-sex marriage, Mr. Carson has turn into a preferred conservative speaker and writer.
The Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, is awarded to people who’ve made particularly meritorious contributions to the safety or nationwide pursuits of the United States, world peace, or cultural or different important public endeavours.
Mr. Trump bestowed the honour on 24 individuals throughout his first time period and has already introduced two different recipients since his return to the White House. Mr. Trump talked about no date for giving the honour to Mr. Carson, however different honourees are already within the pipeline.
Earlier this month, Mr. Trump stated he would bestow the award on former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, two days after his longtime political ally was severely injured in a automobile crash.
During a September 11 commemoration occasion on the Pentagon, Mr. Trump introduced that he would posthumously give the award to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated earlier this month and whose memorial service Mr. Trump plans to attend Sunday (September 21, 2025) in Arizona.
Published – September 21, 2025 08:20 am IST
