Full Breakdown
Trump to Award Ben Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom
9/22/2025, 1:36:55 PM
Announcement of the Honor
On September 21, 2025, President Donald Trump announced his intention to award Ben Carson, the former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. This announcement was made during an event at the American Cornerstone Institute, an organization founded by Carson. Trump expressed his surprise for Carson, stating, “Congratulations, Ben. He didn’t know this. I hope he’s happy.” The specific date for the award ceremony at the White House has yet to be disclosed.
Background on Ben Carson
Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, previously ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, competing against Trump. Following Trump's victory, Carson was appointed as HUD secretary, where he served throughout Trump's first term. Carson has remained a prominent figure within conservative circles, acting as Trump's national faith chair during the 2024 campaign and being considered for the vice-presidential nomination before J.D. Vance was selected.
Context of Recent Awards
Carson's upcoming award is part of a series of honors announced by Trump in September 2025. Earlier in the month, Trump stated he would award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was injured in a car accident, and posthumously to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on September 10, 2025. Trump has previously awarded this honor to 24 individuals during his first term, including notable figures like Tiger Woods and Senator Orrin Hatch.
Criticism & Opposition
While the announcement has been met with support from Carson's allies, some critics question the appropriateness of awarding the Medal of Freedom to individuals closely associated with Trump, particularly in light of the political controversies surrounding his administration. Critics argue that the honor should be reserved for individuals with a broader impact on society rather than those who are politically aligned with the president.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are going to be presenting Dr. Ben Carson with the highest civilian award and honor in our country. It’s the civilian version of the Medal of Honor, which is our highest military award. It’s the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” — President Donald Trump
- “I challenge the ministers out there to talk about what the Bible says and not what the leftists say,” — Ben Carson at Charlie Kirk's memorial
What's Next
The ceremony for Ben Carson's Medal of Freedom is anticipated to take place at the White House, although no specific date has been announced. Additionally, Trump is expected to attend the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, further emphasizing the ongoing connections between these figures in the conservative movement.
In summary, President Trump's announcement to award Ben Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom highlights Carson's significant role in the Trump administration and his continued influence within conservative circles, while also drawing attention to the broader implications of such honors in the current political climate.
