On Saturday, President Donald Trump announced that he will award Ben Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is recognized as the nation's highest civilian honor. This announcement marks the third such honor Trump has declared in the current month.
During a speech at an event held at Mount Vernon for the American Cornerstone Institute, an organization founded by Carson, Trump expressed his delight in honoring Carson, stating, “Congratulations, Ben. He didn’t know this. I hope he’s happy.” Carson, 74, is a former neurosurgeon and was one of Trump’s competitors for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. Following his campaign, he served as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during Trump’s first term in office.
Although they were once rivals, Trump and Carson developed a strong friendship over time. Carson is currently viewed as a prominent figure within the conservative movement and was considered one of the top contenders for Trump’s running mate in the 2024 presidential campaign. He served as Trump’s national faith chairman during the previous election cycle, reinforcing their close bond.
Carson is well-known for his firm social conservative views, opposing both abortion rights and same-sex marriage. Over the years, he has gained recognition as a popular conservative speaker and author, further solidifying his influence in the political landscape.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was established in 1963 and is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, as well as to world peace or cultural endeavors. This prestigious award recognizes significant public contributions and has been awarded to various individuals over the decades.
During his first presidential term, Trump awarded the Medal of Freedom to 24 people. Since resuming his position in the White House, he has announced two additional recipients, including Carson. Although Trump did not provide a specific date for when Carson would receive the honor, he indicated that other recipients are already in the works.
Earlier this month, Trump stated that he would bestow the same honor on former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, just two days after Giuliani suffered serious injuries in a car accident. This gesture reflects Trump’s ongoing commitment to recognizing his allies and supporters.
On September 11, during a commemoration event at the Pentagon, Trump also announced his intention to posthumously award the Medal of Freedom to conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Tragically, Kirk was recently assassinated, and Trump plans to attend his memorial service in Arizona.
Trump’s announcements regarding these prestigious awards highlight the administration's focus on recognizing and honoring individuals who have made notable impacts within the conservative movement and public service. As the political landscape continues to evolve, these awards serve as both a recognition of individual achievements and a reflection of the values upheld by the Trump administration.
