Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson has decided against a cabinet position in the office of President-elect Donald Trump, citing his lack of political experience.
The Hill reports Carson’s close friend and business manager Armstrong Williams shared the former presidential candidate’s feelings about working with Trump on Tuesday (Nov.14). “Dr. Carson feels he has no government experience, he’s never run a federal agency,” Williams said. “The last thing he would want to do was take a position that could cripple the presidency.” Carson was among the sea of Republicans who lost the nomination to Trump earlier this year. Some of the views Carson pushed were plans to overturn Roe v. Wade as well as Affirmative Action. He managed to poll commendable numbers at the start of his campaign but fell behind Sen. Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz once Trump gained popularity in the media.
In a statement to Reuters, Williams claimed Carson was never officially offered a position, but the opportunity was present. His name came about in conversations on the secretary of education or secretary of health and human services positions. “Dr. Carson doesn’t feel like that’s the best way for him to serve the president-elect,” Williams said. “His life has not prepared him to be a Cabinet secretary,” Williams said.
Carson, Trump and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina were among the group of GOP candidates with no prior political experience.
In the end, Carson hopes to be an advisor to Trump during this presidency. To fill up his time, he is currently working on My Faith Votes, a group designated for Christian voters.
Yes, we’re confused as well.