❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced that Dr. Ben Carson will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump and Ben Carson.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made at the American Cornerstone Institute’s Founders’ Dinner on Saturday; ceremony to take place at the White House.
💬KEY QUOTE: “Congratulations Ben. He didn’t know this. He didn’t know it. I hope he’s happy.” – Donald Trump
🎯IMPACT: Dr. Carson, a former neurosurgeon and Trump administration official, is being recognized for his contributions to the nation.
Dr. Ben Carson will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. President Donald J. Trump announced the decision over the weekend during the American Cornerstone Institute’s Founders’ Dinner.
“Congratulations Ben. He didn’t know this. He didn’t know it. I hope he’s happy,” Trump said during the event, revealing the honor at the conclusion of his remarks. A ceremony to officially present the award will take place at the White House.
President Trump announces that Dr Ben Carson @RealBenCarson will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom 🙏🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/4ml1qtdRWY
— Monica Crowley FH_ (@Monicacrowley82) September 21, 2025
Dr. Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under Trump, founded the American Cornerstone Institute (ACI). The organization’s website describes its mission as fighting for principles such as faith, liberty, community, and life.
Carson, who initially ran for the Republican presidential nomination during the 2016 GOP primary before endorsing Trump, has remained active in public life and is a staunch ally of the America First leader. He recently endorsed Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) for re-election, calling him “a steadfast conservative leader for South Carolina and our nation.”
Dr. Carson also spoke at the memorial service for slain Turning Point USA (TPUSA) leader Charlie Kirk in Arizona on Sunday. “I want to read a passage from John 12:24, remembering that Charlie was shot at 12:24 PM. ’Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is Christ speaking,'” Dr. Carson said.
“Except a corn of wheat fall onto the ground and die, it abideth alone. But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.’ And I want to thank Charlie for his sacrifice, because much fruit is going to be realized.”
Dr. Ben Carson wow everyone with an unforgettable 4-minute tribute to Charlie Kirk.
“Get on board of the REVIVAL that is coming.”
Carson’s words carried the weight of true wisdom, and the ending was the most powerful moment of all:
“In closing, I want to read a passage from… pic.twitter.com/RCvvN4c0y9
— Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) September 21, 2025
Image by National Museum of American History – Smithsonian Institution.
Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.