Trump picks Scott Turner as secretary of Department of Housing and Urban Development

President-elect Trump has officially nominated Scott Turner as the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Turner, who currently serves as the chair of the Center for Education Opportunity and is a former professional football player, previously held the position of executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC).

In a statement released on Friday, President Trump praised Turner for his previous work with the WHORC, stating, “Scott is an NFL Veteran, who, during my First Term, served as the First Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council (WHORC), helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Trump also highlighted Turner’s successful oversight of 16 Federal Agencies and the implementation of over 200 policy actions that furthered economic development, resulting in over $50 billion in private investment in Opportunity Zones.

Turner, a graduate of the University of Illinois, first gained recognition as a cornerback for the Washington Redskins before transitioning into a career in politics. He went on to win a state house race in Texas and served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017. Trump commended Turner for his dedication to community revitalization through his work with the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council (CEOC), a foundation founded by Turner and his family.

In addition to his work in the nonprofit sector, Turner is also an Associate Pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church and sits on the Board of the American Cornerstone Institute. President Trump expressed his confidence in Turner’s ability to work alongside him in his efforts to “Make America Great Again for EVERY American” and congratulated Turner, his wife Robin, and his son Solomon on the nomination.

As the confirmation process moves forward, Turner’s appointment as Secretary of HUD will be closely watched by stakeholders in the housing and urban development sectors. With his background in both sports and public service, Turner brings a unique perspective to the role, and his experience in community engagement and economic opportunity will be valuable in addressing the challenges facing America’s most vulnerable communities.