Media bias claim: New York Times calls Abdul El‑Sayed “Dr.” while calling Ben Carson “Mr.”

On October 16, 2026 a HotAir commentary examined how the New York Times referred to Democratic public‑health official Abdul El‑Sayed as “Dr.” while describing former neurosurgeon Ben Carson simply as “Mr.”.

The column argued that the contrasting use of honorifics functions as a class signifier, shaping public perception of expertise and reflecting partisan bias in media practices.

Byron York tweeted that the New York Times’ style choice prompts the question, “Did Carson ever get an MD?” and noted the disparity: Ben Carson, a world‑renowned neurosurgeon who served as the youngest chief of pediatric neurosurgery in the United States, was called by his first name, whereas Abdul El‑Sayed, who never completed a residency and is not a practicing physician, was labeled “Dr.”.

Other conservative voices echoed the criticism. Ari Fleischer asked the Times why a brain surgeon was “Mr.” while an “unlicensed med‑school graduate” received the title “Dr.”. Brit Hume said the bias “gives itself away in the most subtle, but telling ways.” Guy Benson suggested the difference reflects deference to the Times’ political leanings.

Supporters of the critique, including Marc Thiessen and Ted Cruz, emphasized that Carson’s medical credentials are undisputed, while El‑Sayed’s title does not reflect a licence to practice medicine. Derek Hunter added that the media may use the title to elevate a political opponent, and other commenters labeled the Times as “racist” and “the enemy of the people”.

The commentary concluded that credential labels are employed to signal class affiliation; when a figure aligns with preferred political views, their titles are downplayed, and when they oppose those views, titles are amplified. The piece framed the issue as part of a broader pattern of left‑wing media practices.

The New York Times had not responded to the criticism at the time of publication, and the debate over title usage and media bias continues.