washington retire neurosurgeon ben carson rival-turned-supporter donald trump overcome state qualms lack government experience monday accept president-elect nomination lead department house urban development democrats criticize republican president-elect late pick incoming administration call carson unqualified take 48-billion agency oversee public house carson popular writer speaker conservative circle close adviser trump since drop 2016 republican presidential primary contest vice chairman trump transition team trump discuss job carson thanksgiving day holiday last month although despite presidential run carson previously indicate reluctance take position incoming administration lack experience federal government pick theme house representatives democratic leader nancy pelosi say monday dr ben carson disconcert disturbingly unqualified choice lead department complex consequential house urban development trump real estate magnate also government experience never hold public office express confidence carson could job say statement brilliant mind passionate strengthen communities families within communities carson 65 first african-american pick cabinet spot trump take office jan. 20 gradually fill administration since beat democrat hillary clinton nov. presidential election carson say honor accept post require confirmation u.s. senate feel make significant contribution particularly strengthen communities need say statement republicans control senate senator lindsey graham sometimes strong critic trump praise carson statement say sure agent change department could stand change carson respect neurosurgeon johns hopkins hospital baltimore consider u.s. surgeon general head health human service department business manager armstrong williams say last month carson decide serve trump administration life prepare cabinet secretary carson say meet trump believe could make contribution like many initial field 17 white house hopefuls vie republican party 2016 presidential nomination carson frequent target trump attack campaign become one high-profile african-american supporters trump secure nomination carson enjoy brief surge early presidential campaign take top republican poll late 2015. trump go question mental stability childhood incidents carson say attack mother hammer try stab another boy carson campaign sputter drop race march would take department whose mission help middle- low-income people find house offer combination public house rent subsidies mortgage assistance agency oversee mortgage lend also responsible enforce laws intend prevent discrimination attempt rent buy home carson critical hud efforts administration democratic president barack obama compel local governments actively seek end discrimination instead respond instance racial discrimination column write 2015 washington time carson call program mandate social-engineering scheme confirm post could seek end obama program pick trump far administration include marine corps general jam mattis defense secretary u.s. representative mike pompeo cia director senator jeff sessions attorney general retire general michael flynn national security adviser republican national committee chairman reince priebus chief staff right-wing media executive steve bannon chief white house strategist trump still consider various candidates fill post u.s. secretary state former vice president al gore democrat longtime advocate strong step tackle climate change schedule meet monday trump daughter ivanka past trump dismiss idea man-made climate change hoax say campaign would seek get unite state paris agreement reduce global emissions fossil fuel last month tell new york time open mind meanwhile green party presidential nominee jill stein file suit federal court pennsylvania monday attempt force statewide recount vote add recount michigan wisconsin even recount proceed three state almost chance would overturn trump victory last month election hesitation carson accept trump 's offer head u.s. house department