Housing

Does Ben Carson Believe in HUD?

During a brief and jocular confirmation hearing, the retired neurosurgeon gave few answers that suggested he believes in a strong, affirmative role for the department he’s been selected to lead.
Zach Gibson/AP

Ben Carson made an unfortunate blunder during his Senate confirmation hearing to run the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) wanted a yes-or-no from Carson about potential conflicts of interest at the White House. “Can you assure me,” she asked, “that not a single taxpayer dollar that you give out will financially benefit the president-elect or his family?”