Another Washington outsider with a conservative ideology was added to Trump’s cabinet this morning, raising more warning flags for Democrats. Liberal critics have questioned whether Carson is qualified to run one of the most complex programs on the hill.
His responsibilities will include guiding housing policy, and overseeing a multitude of programs designed to aide minority and low-income Americans in entering the middle class. HUD has an annual budget of approximately $49 billion, used primarily to combat homelessness and poverty. They also provide nearly 5 million homes with rental assistance.
In an interview last month, President of the National Urban League Marc Morial said,
“…concerns stem from his own statements. He said, basically, that he’s not qualified for HUD or for government service. So most people I hear ask, ‘How did they convince him to take the job?'”
Common fears among policy experts and progressive activists are that Carson, notoriously conservative, will cut federal funding for government assistance programs. The Trump administration has signaled that more money will be cut from federal agencies in order to increase defense spending. HUD is not favorable in the eyes of conservatives, and with Carson at the helm, could face major budget reductions.
Many Democratic Senators were cautiously optimistic about Carson, Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) among them. However, she voted against the nomination after receiving criticism from many progressives. Warren has been a leader of the liberal resistance so far. Others, like Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Mark Warner (D-Va.) joined the GOP in confirming Carson. Brown is quoted as saying he will give Carson “the benefit of the doubt.”
Carson will be the only African American serving in Trump’s cabinet, pointing to a larger issue of diversity within the Cabinet.
