Republican Ben Carson opts against job in Donald Trump's Cabinet
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Dr Ben Carson (left) and Mr Donald Trump at an event at Trump Tower in New York in August 2016.
PHOTO: REUTERS
WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, a 2016 Republican presidential candidate who is an adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, has opted against accepting a Cabinet position in the Trump administration, his spokesman said on Tuesday (Nov 15).
Dr Carson, a popular writer and speaker in conservative circles, has been a close adviser to Mr Trump and is a vice-chairman of his transition team.
Dr Carson has been mentioned as a possible secretary of health and human services or education.
His business manager, Mr Armstrong Williams, said Dr Carson has made clear he has no experience in running a federal bureaucracy.
"Dr Carson doesn't feel like that's the best way for him to serve the President-elect," Mr Williams told Reuters.
He said Dr Carson would remain a close adviser of Mr Trump and a friend.
"His life has not prepared him to be a Cabinet secretary," Mr Williams said.
