Donald Trump chooses former campaign rival Ben Carson as Housing Secretary
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President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former campaign rival Ben Carson to become Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Mr Trump's decision, announced on Monday by his transition office, comes as the real estate mogul continues a series of interviews, meetings with aides and other deliberations aimed at forming his administration.
In a statement, Mr Trump said he was "thrilled to nominate" Dr Carson, saying he "has a brilliant mind and is passionate about strengthening communities and families within those communities".
Dr Carson has been coy about joining the new administration, saying shortly after Mr Trump's election victory that he was not certain he would fit into a cabinet-style role.
The discussion at that time centred on speculation that Dr Carson might be selected to head the sprawling Department of Health and Human Services.
Mr Trump's statement said: "Ben shares my optimism about the future of our country and is part of ensuring that this is a presidency representing all Americans."
AP
Topics: us-elections, government-and-politics, world-politics, united-states
