Shermichael Singleton, senior adviser for Housing and Urban Development and aide to its nominee for secretary Dr. Ben Carson, was fired by the Trump administration this week when officials discovered an article authored by Singleton criticizing the president.
A spokesperson for HUD confirmed to the New York Times that the 26-year-old Singleton had been dismissed, but would not provide additional details. Singleton also declined to comment.
Even though the young adviser was allowed to enter the administration in January, he had not yet been fully vetted, according to two people familiar with the matter. As Trump’s staff wrapped up its background check this week, they found an October article Singleton wrote for The Hill denouncing Trump’s candidacy. “My party in particular has allowed itself to be taken over by someone who claims to be a Republican but doesn’t represent any of our values, principles or traditions,” Singleton wrote.
Singleton plans to return to his previous job working for a company owned by radio show host Armstrong Williams, who often serves as a spokesperson for Carson, the Times reported.
The White House recently cut senior foreign policy adviser Elliott Abrams from contention for deputy secretary of state, after administration officials discovered Abrams had written an article entitled “When You Can’t Stand Your Candidate” in The Weekly Standard.
Carson, who has no previous housing or development experience, has not yet been confirmed by the full Senate, a vote that is not currently being prioritized and is not likely to occur until March at the earliest. [NYT] — Will Parker