Trump to Award Presidential Medal of Freedom to Dr. Ben Carson

Carson also received the award in 2008 from President George W. Bush.

President Donald Trump and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson (R) attend the American Cornerstone Institute Founders' Dinner in Mount Vernon, Va., on Sept. 20, 2025. Tasos Katopodis /Getty Images

President Donald Trump announced on Sept. 20 that he will award Dr. Ben Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.

Trump made the announcement during the American Cornerstone Institute Founder’s Dinner. The organization was founded by Carson.

“We are going to be presenting Dr. Ben Carson with the highest civilian award and honor in our country. It’s the civilian version of the Medal of Honor, which is our highest military award,” Trump said.

“It’s the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and we’re going to have a ceremony at the White House honoring Dr. Ben Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Congratulations, Ben. We much appreciate it. Congratulations, Ben. He didn’t know this. He didn’t know it. I hope he’s happy.”

This will be the second time Carson has received the award, after President George W. Bush awarded it in 2008.

At the time, the White House said: “[Carson] is a pioneer in pediatric neurosurgery, and his life is a testament to the power of education, hard work, and faith. His groundbreaking contributions to medicine provide hope for people suffering neurological disorders, and his tireless outreach to America’s youth underscores the importance of academic achievement and humanitarian service. The United States honors Benjamin Carson for his skill, his vision, and his dedication to motivating others to strive for excellence.”

Carson was the first surgeon to successfully separate conjoined twins, doing so in 1987.

Carson unsuccessfully ran for the White House in 2016 but served as Trump’s Housing and Urban Development secretary between 2017 and 2021.

Trump presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 24 people in his first term.

He announced earlier this month that he will also bestow the award on former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

“As President of the United States of America, I am pleased to announce that Rudy Giuliani, the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot, will receive The Presidential Medal of Freedom, our Country’s highest civilian honor. Details as to time and place to follow,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Trump announced on Sept. 11 that he will posthumously award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said.

“We miss him greatly. Yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”

He said that the date of the ceremony will be announced later, but predicted a huge turnout.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.