USA TODAY International Edition
Trump picks Carson for HUD, fuels Twitter feud with China
While preparing to fill more Cabinet slots, Donald Trump on Monday tapped Ben Carson for secretary of Housing and Urban Development, met with former vice president Al Gore, and expanded his search for a secretary of State amid new friction with China.
The president- elect formally confirmed weeks- long plans to nominate Carson, saying the retired neurosurgeon and former Republican primary rival has a “brilliant mind” and is “passionate” about meeting the challenges facing the nation’s cities.
“We have talked at length about my urban renewal agenda and our message of economic revival, very much including our inner cities,” Trump said. “Ben shares my optimism about the future of our country and is part of ensuring that this is a Presidency representing all Americans.”
Carson, who at one point demurred about joining Trump’s Cabinet, said: “I feel that I can make a significant contribution particularly by strengthening communities that are most in need. We have much work to do in enhancing every aspect of our nation and ensuring that our nation’s housing needs are met.”
During the Republican primary campaign, Trump attacked Carson, referring to him at one point as “pathological.”
Democrats denounced the former doctor and prominent social conservative. The Senate must confirm Carson’s nomination.
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said Carson “is a disconcerting and disturbingly unqualified choice to lead a department as complex and consequential as Housing and Urban Development.”
Trump transition spokesman Jason Miller said Trump will formally unveil his secretary of Defense nominee — retired Marine Corps general James Mattis — at a rally Tuesday in Fayetteville, N. C.; the stop will be the second of Trump’s “Thank You Tour.” Also on the schedule:
The meeting between Gore and Trump; the ex- vice president also spoke with Ivanka Trump, the president- elect’s daughter. One topic: Climate change, reportedly one of Ivanka Trump’s top concerns.
Afterward, Gore said he had “a lengthy and very productive session with the president- elect,” who has been skeptical of climate change concerns.
A Tuesday schedule that include meetings with Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, mentioned as a U. S. ambassador to China; and radio talk show host Laura Ingraham, a potential press secretary.
Two more “Thank You Tour” stops this week: Thursday in Des Moines, and Friday in Grand Rapids, Mich.
The announcements come as Trump expands his search for secretary of State.
After saying that he had narrowed his search — former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, ex- New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker and ex- CIA director David Petraeus — aides said Trump is looking at more names.
Among new names: ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson, who will be interviewed Tuesday, and former ambassador Jon Huntsman.
One challenge facing Trump’s diplomatic team: China.
After China protested Trump’s phone call Friday with the president of Taiwan, the presidentelect criticized China in a pair of tweets Sunday.
“Did China ask us if it was OK to devalue their currency ( making it hard for our companies to compete), heavily tax our products going into their country ( the U. S. doesn’t tax them) or to build a massive military complex in the middle of the South China Sea?” Trump said. “I don’t think so!”
“I feel that I can make a significant contribution particularly by strengthening communities that are most in need.” Ben Carson