HUD watchdog looking into involvement of Carson’s family at agency

The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) inspector general is reviewing the involvement of Secretary Ben Carson’s family at the agency after some officials expressed concerns, CNN reported Tuesday.

When asked about any investigation into the Carson family’s role in the agency, Darryl Madden, a spokesman for HUD’s office of the inspector general, told CNN there is “an open matter” but declined to comment further.

The Hill has reached out to the inspector general’s office.

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The Washington Post reported late last month that some HUD officials grew worried that Carson risked violating ethics rules by involving his family in a “listening tour” event last summer in Baltimore.

The officials expressed concerns that Ben Carson Jr., who is a local businessman, was inviting potential business associates to the event, which “gave the appearance that the secretary may be using his position for his son’s private gain,” according to a memo obtained by the Post.

The elder Carson has denied any conflicts of interest, but asked for an inspector general investigation following the report.

“In my role as HUD Secretary, I try to be as inclusive as possible and talk with a wide variety of people because when it comes to increasing access to affordable housing, no rock should remain unturned,” Carson said in a statement earlier this month. “From my very first day at HUD I have insisted that HUD operate in an open and ethical manner, in every way.”