by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
Ben Carson was simply appointed because the Nationwide Vitamin Advisor, and to be frank, I’m tremendous irritated.
The well being of our nation ought to by no means be handled as a political recreation. But, right here we’re once more. On September 24, 2025, the USDA swore in Dr. Benjamin S. Carson, Sr. because the Nationwide Advisor for Vitamin, Well being, and Housing.
Whereas the title might sound spectacular, the transfer raises a really actual query: why is Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon with no background in diet, being positioned in such a vital place?
That is precisely why individuals are dropping religion in management relating to well being coverage. It’s time we cease enjoying politics and begin placing certified people into roles that straight affect the well-being of thousands and thousands of Individuals.
I’ve sat right here lengthy sufficient with my mouth shut. I’m accomplished. It’s time we spoke up as a result of that is loopy to me. Let’s discuss what’s happening inside our authorities in regard to placing unqualified individuals into positions they don’t have any enterprise being part of.
I’m annoyed, and so do you have to.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely and shouldn’t be used to deal with or diagnose any situation. It is suggested that you just communicate together with your physician earlier than beginning any train program, making modifications to your diet plan, or including any new dietary supplements into your present routine.
Ben Carson Takes on a New Function as Nationwide Vitamin Advisor
The USDA confirmed that Ben Carson’s new place will concentrate on advising President Trump and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on points surrounding diet, rural well being, and housing.
I can’t be any extra disenchanted. Now, that’s to not say that I don’t like Ben Carson, I simply don’t suppose he’s certified for the job.
Based on the company, Carson will even be a key voice in advancing the “Make America Wholesome Once more” (MAHA) initiative.
This may increasingly sound good on paper as a result of he’s a “physician,” however let’s be sincere… what expertise does Ben Carson have in diet? He could also be a world-class neurosurgeon and a former HUD Secretary, however that doesn’t make him certified to direct nationwide diet coverage. These are two very totally different worlds, and America deserves somebody who is aware of the science of meals, well being, and weight loss program from the bottom up.
Why Vitamin Experience Issues
Vitamin performs a task in practically each persistent illness we face as a nation (coronary heart illness, weight problems, diabetes, and even some cancers). Having the correct individual in control of nationwide diet coverage may actually save lives.
But, as an alternative of turning to consultants in dietetics, public well being, or scientific diet, the administration has positioned somebody with no direct experience into this place.
Think about if we appointed a chef to run neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins simply because they had been “good.” Would we be comfy with that? Completely not. Then why ought to we really feel comfy with Ben Carson stepping in as Nationwide Vitamin Advisor with out the {qualifications} to again it up?
See why I’m getting annoyed and irritated at appointees on this administration? And this isn’t the one one. I may write a whole article on ALL the horrible picks.
Enjoying Politics with Well being
Let’s name this what it’s… politics. Ben Carson has been a loyal Trump ally for years, and this transfer appears to be like extra like rewarding that loyalty than guaranteeing the well being of Individuals.
When positions of this magnitude are handed out as political favors, it undermines belief within the system. Worse, it might result in poor selections that have an effect on each family within the nation.
This isn’t about whether or not you want Ben Carson as an individual (I’ve nothing in opposition to him). It’s about whether or not he’s the correct individual for the job. And the reality is, he’s not.
Certified Specialists Are Being Neglected
I can identify a dozen people within the diet and well being area who would run circles round Ben Carson relating to advising on meals coverage and public well being diet.
Registered dietitians, scientific nutritionists, and researchers who’ve devoted their lives to finding out how meals impacts well being are on the market. They’re certified. They’re passionate. They’re prepared to steer.
However as an alternative, these voices are ignored, and politics as soon as once more takes precedence over public well being. This could frustrate each American who cares in regards to the well being of their household and future generations.
What This Means for the MAHA Agenda
The “Make America Wholesome Once more” initiative is meant to concentrate on bettering diet and rural well being. If that’s the aim, shouldn’t the management mirror experience in these areas?
A neurosurgeon advising on nationwide weight loss program and diet coverage makes about as a lot sense as a monetary planner instructing superior mind surgical procedure.
This raises considerations over whether or not the MAHA agenda is extra of a slogan than a critical technique. With out the correct management in place, how can we anticipate significant enhancements to come back from it?
We Want the Proper Individuals within the Proper Roles
This isn’t an assault on Ben Carson’s profession achievements. He’s had an unimaginable run in drugs and public service. However that doesn’t change the truth that he isn’t the correct match for this position.
Vitamin coverage calls for somebody who understands meals science, the challenges of weight problems, the socioeconomic elements behind poor diets, and the way to design options that really work.
By placing Carson on this seat, the administration is signaling that politics as soon as once more outweighs {qualifications}. That’s unacceptable when the stakes are this excessive.
Ben Carson is NOT THE GUY to Be Nationwide Vitamin Advisor
The appointment of Ben Carson because the Nationwide Vitamin Advisor highlights a harmful sample of enjoying politics with America’s well being. Vitamin will not be a aspect subject… it’s one of the urgent considerations going through our nation.
The selections made on the federal stage will affect every little thing from college lunches to dietary tips to public well being campaigns.
If we’re critical about fixing the well being of America, we have to begin taking diet critically. That begins with placing the correct individuals in the correct roles. Ben Carson could also be an excellent man in his subject, however diet will not be his subject.
The American individuals deserve higher.
Till politics takes a again seat to {qualifications}, we’ll proceed to see unqualified appointments in positions that form the way forward for our well being. And sadly, it’s the individuals (us) who pays the value.
