President Donald Trump said Saturday (September 20, 2025) that he will award Ben Carson the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honour, the third such award he’s announced this month.

“Congratulations, Ben. He didn’t know this,” Mr. Trump said in a speech during an event at Mount Vernon for American Cornerstone Institute, founded by Mr. Carson. “He didn’t know it. I hope he’s happy.”

A former neurosurgeon who ran against Mr. Trump for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, Mr. Carson, 74, went on to serve as Housing and Urban Development secretary during Mr. Trump’s first administration.

The one-time rivals developed a strong bond, and Mr. Carson — seen at one point as among the top contenders for Mr. Trump’s running mate in the 2024 campaign — served as Mr. Trump’s national faith chairman during last year’s race.

A staunch social conservative who has opposed abortion rights and same-sex marriage, Mr. Carson has become a popular conservative speaker and author.

The Medal of Freedom, established in 1963, is awarded to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public endeavours.

Mr. Trump bestowed the honour on 24 people during his first term and has already announced two other recipients since his return to the White House. Mr. Trump mentioned no date for giving the honour to Mr. Carson, but other honourees are already in the pipeline.

Earlier this month, Mr. Trump said he would bestow the award on former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, two days after his longtime political ally was seriously injured in a car crash.

During a September 11 commemoration event at the Pentagon, Mr. Trump announced that he would posthumously give the award to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated earlier this month and whose memorial service Mr. Trump plans to attend Sunday (September 21, 2025) in Arizona.