Ben Carson cancels $31K dining set order for HUD office following backlash

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson announced on Thursday he had his office cancel an order placed for a $31,000 dining room set for his personal office, reportedly saying he may consider another one but his preference is one with a more "reasonable" price.

Carson's decision to cancel the order comes after reports this week that redecorating for his office exceeded the legal limit of $5,000. Items purchased included a custom hardwood table, chairs and a hutch.

"I was as surprised as anyone to find out that a $31,000 dining set had been ordered," Carson said in a statement to CNN. "I have requested that the order be canceled. We will find another solution for the furniture replacement."

RELATED: Inside Ben Carson's new home in Virginia

The dining room furniture included a table, sideboard, breakfront – all in mahogany – and 10 mahogany chairs with blue velvet finish, according to the company that sold the furniture to HUD and purchase documents obtained by CNN.

Carson said his wife, Candy Carson, asked if "used furniture was an option."

"I made it known that I was not happy about the prices being charged and that my preference would be to find something more reasonable," he said.

HUD spokesman Raffi Williams said Carson did not know what was being purchased and "the the secretary does want to be as fiscally prudent as possible with the taxpayers' money." However, HUD staff member Helen Foster has said she was demoted and replaced after refusing to find a way to exceed the $5,000 legal budget for office redecorations.

House Oversight Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., has requested records relating to office furnishings since the beginning of 2017 from HUD, CNN reported.

Ben Carson through the years

Copyright 2017 U.S. News & World Report