Photo of Ben Carson's speech notes reveal he's 'not happy' with White House personnel office


Ben Carson has some problems with the White House.
The secretary of housing and urban development spoke Friday in Atlanta ahead of President Trump's speech outlining his platform for Black Americans. But it's what Carson didn't say that stole the show: A bulleted list of talking points and complaints he seemingly wanted to bring up with Trump.
In a photo captured by Bloomberg's Justin Sink, words on a paper in front of Carson at the event clearly showed Carson has some problems with the White House Office of Presidential Personnel and its director John McEntee. "I am very loyal to you and after you win I hope to stay in your administration," the first bullet reads. "I am not happy with the way PPO is handling my agency," the next bullet says. The final line reads "I like John and respect what he is doing, however I am sensing a severe [illegible] of trust," with the illegible word blocked by a microphone stand.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Carson didn't say any of those things during the speech. The White House declined to comment to Bloomberg, and Carson's team did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kathryn is a graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in magazine journalism and information technology, along with hours to earn another degree after working at SU's independent paper The Daily Orange. She's currently recovering from a horse addiction while living in New York City, and likes to share her extremely dry sense of humor on Twitter.
-
Western Alaska reels as storm aftermath prompts mass evacuations
UNDER THE RADAR Alaskan lawmakers point to climate change as airlifts relocate hundreds from coastal communities devastated by the remnants of Typhoon Halong
-
Crossword: October 17, 2025
The Week's daily crossword
-
Codeword: October 17, 2025
The Week's daily codeword puzzle
-
Pentagon reporters turn in badges after refusing rules
Speed Read They refused to sign a restrictive new press policy imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
-
Supreme Court points to gutting Voting Rights Act
speed read States would no longer be required to consider race when drawing congressional maps
-
Trump says he authorized covert CIA ops in Venezuela
Speed Read He is also considering military strikes inside the country
-
‘Vile, racist’ leaked chats roil Young Republicans
Speed Read Leaders of Young Republican groups made racist, antisemitic and violent comments in private chats
-
Trump ties $20B Argentina bailout to Milei votes
speed read Trump will boost Argentina’s economy — if the country’s right-wing president wins upcoming elections
-
News organizations reject Pentagon restrictions
Speed Read The proposed policy is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s latest move to limit press access at the Pentagon
-
Trump declares end to Gaza war, ‘dawn’ of new Mideast
Speed Read Hamas freed the final 20 living Israeli hostages and Israel released thousands of Palestinian detainees
-
Trump DOJ indicts New York AG Letitia James
Speed Read New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted as Trump’s Justice Department pursues charges against his political opponents