U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Monday nominated his African-American former campaign rival Dr Ben Carson to become the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Trump made the announcement in a statement by his transition office.
Carson was among the 16 candidates who challenged Trump for the Republican nomination.
However, Carson quickly endorsed Trump after he dropped out of the contest in March, and was loyal but regularly critical of Trump.
“I am thrilled to nominate Dr Ben Carson as our next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“Ben Carson has a brilliant mind and is passionate about strengthening communities and families within those communities.
“We have talked at length about my urban renewal agenda and our message of economic revival, very much including our inner cities.
“Ben shares my optimism about the future of our country and is part of ensuring that this is a Presidency representing all Americans.
“He is a tough competitor and never gives up,” Trump said in the statement.
The statement quoted Carson as accepting his nomination to serve in the Trmp’s presidency.
“I am honoured to accept the opportunity to serve our country in the Trump administration.
“I feel that I can make a significant contribution particularly by strengthening communities that are most in need.
“We have much work to do in enhancing every aspect of our nation and ensuring that our nation’s housing needs are met,” Carson said.
Carson became the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital at age 33 and became famous for his groundbreaking work separating conjoined twins.
