The conservative Washington Times has dropped Dr. Ben Carson from its roster of columnists after he announced the formation of a presidential exploratory committee. The paper had continued to publish Carson's column even after Fox News cut ties with him when he made several moves towards running for the Republican presidential nomination.

On Tuesday morning, Carson announced the formation of an exploratory committee to run for president. This committee would allow Carson to begin fundraising for an eventual presidential campaign, should he decide to move forward.

In a statement to Media Matters, Washington Times opinion editor David Keene said, “We have pulled tomorrow's column by Dr. Ben Carson at his request in light of his just announced decision to form a Presidential Exploratory Committee. Dr. Carson's contributions to the Washington Times have proved invaluable to our readers.” Keene also noted that Carson “is a friend and will always be considered a part of the Washington Times family.”

Carson has been making more and more explicit overtures towards a presidential campaign in recent months. Fox News cut ties with him after he released a biographical campaign documentary titled “A Breath of Fresh Air: A New Prescription for America.”

Despite the campaign video and public statements noting he was considering a presidential run, for several months the Washington Times continued to publish his columns and published the digital magazine he founded, American Currentsee.

Carson enjoys his current prominent role in the conservative movement in large part thanks to Fox and other conservative media outlets that repeatedly featured and hosted him after a speech to the National Prayer Breakfast where he attacked President Obama and the Affordable Care Act.