“We need to find ways to elevate the expectations, particularly of those individuals who may start off on a lower socioeconomic rung, who might be seen as disadvantaged. But, you know, the reason I say be seen as disadvantaged, it's because life is so short, and there's so much that can change.”

American neurosurgeon, academic, author, and government official

Benjamin Solomon Carson Sr. is an American neurosurgeon, academic, author, and government official. He has served as the National Nutrition Advisor at the Department of Agriculture since 2025, and earlier served as the 17th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development from 2017 to 2021. He is also known for a career in medicine and for work beyond it, including writing and public service. He is a member of the Republican Party.