(Bloomberg) —Ben Carson has been a faithful ally to President Donald Trump since winning confirmation to serve as U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary, but he as put himself at odds with his boss in expressing support for Roy Moore in Alabama’s Senate race over Luther Strange.

“Judge Moore is a fine man of proven character and integrity, who I have come to respect over the years,” Carson said in a statement released by Moore’s campaign on Friday. “He is truly someone who reflects the Judeo-Christian values that were so important to the establishment of our country. It is these values that we must return to in order to make America great again.”

The release referred to the cabinet secretary as “Dr. Ben Carson” and didn’t use his government title.

Trump is set to headline a rally for Strange in Alabama on Friday.

“He loves Alabama, and so do I!” the president wrote on Twitter this morning.