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Trump Picks Ben Carson to Lead HUD. Is He Qualified? 4 Views

Republican presidential then nominee Donald Trump and Ben Carson walk to Carson's childhood home in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. September 3, 2016.
Republican presidential then nominee Donald Trump and Ben Carson walk to Carson's childhood home in Detroit, Michigan, U.S. September 3, 2016. | (Photo: Reuters/Carlo Allegri/ File photo)

President-elect Donald Trump will nominate retired neurosurgeon and former Republican primary opponent Dr. Ben Carson to be the head of Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Although originally opposed to holding a post in the Trump administration, Carson has since accepted the nomination.

"Carson has a brilliant mind and is passionate about strengthening communities and families within those communities," said Trump in a statement released Monday.

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"Ben shares my optimism about the future of our country and is part of ensuring that this is a presidency representing all Americans."

The appointment has sparked a diverse array of responses from assorted figures.

Below are four views on the Carson nomination to HUD.

1. Franklin Graham

Franklin Graham speaks during a tour of the Billy Graham Library before a dedication service on the campus of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 31, 2007.
Franklin Graham speaks during a tour of the Billy Graham Library before a dedication service on the campus of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 31, 2007. | (Photo: Reuters/Chris Keane)

The Reverend Franklin Graham, the outspoken president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritans' Purse, supported the appointment.

In a comment posted to his official Facebook page Monday morning, Rev. Graham referred to Carson as "a brilliant man" who was a good choice for the position.

"I don't think President-elect Donald J. Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence could have made a better choice for their nominee for Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development," wrote Graham.

"We need more leadership in government like Dr. Ben Carson who will look to God for His wisdom and direction."

2. Charles Schumer

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) talks to journalist after attending the Senate Democrat party leadership elections at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, U.S. November 16, 2016.
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) talks to journalist after attending the Senate Democrat party leadership elections at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, U.S. November 16, 2016. | (Photo: REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York has been critical of the Carson nomination, arguing that Carson lacks the experience to head HUD.

"I have serious concerns about Dr. Carson's lack of expertise and experience in dealing with housing issues. Someone who is as anti-government as him is a strange fit for Housing secretary, to say the least," said Sen. Schumer in a statement.

"Americans deserve to know that their potential HUD Secretary is well versed in housing policy and has a vision for federal housing programs that meets the needs of Americans across the country and seeks to provide access to those that we haven't reached already."

3. Jim DeMint

Former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson speaks at the Faith & Freedom Coalition's 'Road to Majority' conference gala dinner in Washington D.C. on June 11, 2016.
Former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson speaks at the Faith & Freedom Coalition's "Road to Majority" conference gala dinner in Washington D.C. on June 11, 2016. | (Photo: The Christian Post/Samuel Smith)

Former Senator from South Carolina Jim DeMint expressed his support for the Carson nomination, with the current president of the conservative group the Heritage Foundation stating that Carson is a "gifted man."

"Dr. Ben Carson is a gifted man with a vision for changing the status quo in Washington and expanding opportunity for all," stated DeMint.

"Federal antipoverty efforts need to help more Americans overcome dependency and move toward self-sufficiency, themes which Dr. Carson has emphasized for some time."

4. Sarah Edelman

Ben Carson (L) and Republican presidential then nominee Donald Trump speak during a round table with the Republican Leadership Initiative at Trump Tower in the Manhattan borough of New York, August 25, 2016.
Ben Carson (L) and Republican presidential then nominee Donald Trump speak during a round table with the Republican Leadership Initiative at Trump Tower in the Manhattan borough of New York, August 25, 2016. | (Photo: Reuters/Carlo Allegri/File Photo)

Sarah Edelman, director of Housing Policy at the liberal group the Center for American Progress, said in a statement released Monday that she was concerned about Carson's "lack of knowledge" on housing issues.

"Dr. Ben Carson does not have the necessary and relevant housing or community development experience that the nation's many aspiring homeowners and struggling renters desperately need," stated Edelman.

"Dr. Carson is a nominee whose top aide recently acknowledged that 'Dr. Carson feels he has no government experience, he's never run a federal agency. The last thing he would want to do was take a position that could cripple the presidency.' American communities cannot afford to wait for him to get up to speed."

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