Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, a former 2016 Republican presidential candidate who is an adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, has opted against accepting a Cabinet position in the Trump administration, his spokesman said on Tuesday.

Carson, a popular writer and speaker in conservative circles, has been a close adviser to Trump and is a vice chairman of Trump’s transition team.

He has been mentioned as a possible secretary of health and human services or education.

Carson’s business manager, Armstrong Williams, said Carson has made clear he has no experience in running a federal bureaucracy.

“Dr. Carson doesn’t feel like that’s the best way for him to serve the president-elect,” Williams told Reuters.

He said Carson would remain a close adviser of Trump and a friend. “His life has not prepared him to be a Cabinet secretary,” Williams said.

Nigeria's leading finance and market intelligence news report. Also home to expert opinion and commentary on politics, sports, lifestyle, and more

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date

Open In Whatsapp