Trump’s HUD nominee wants to help Americans escape government assistance
Scott Turner, a former NFL player turned Texas state legislator, shared his vision during his confirmation hearing to be the next Housing and Urban Development (HUD) secretary. Turner emphasized his goal of helping individuals escape government assistance and become more self-sustainable.
Testifying before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Turner expressed his commitment to advancing and expanding policies championed by the incoming Trump administration. He highlighted the importance of building upon successful initiatives from the previous administration to empower individuals to achieve the American dream.
As the former executive director of the Trump administration’s Opportunity and Revitalization Council, Turner played a key role in establishing “Opportunity Zones” aimed at revitalizing low-income and minority communities. He expressed his intention to expand these efforts and focus on cutting red tape to lower housing costs in collaboration with state, local, and private partners.
During the hearing, Turner stressed the significance of homeownership as a pathway to building wealth for families. He underscored the importance of equity in homes and pledged to work towards making this opportunity more accessible to homeowners.
While Turner faced questions from Democrats about affordability and funding for housing programs, he remained committed to maximizing HUD’s resources and conducting a thorough review of existing programs. He acknowledged the need to address regulatory obstacles and engage with stakeholders at the state and local levels to better understand housing needs and challenges.
In addition to addressing concerns about racial bias in the housing appraisal industry and potential price gouging by real estate investors, Turner emphasized the importance of working collaboratively with Democrats to find solutions. He also highlighted his stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures embedded in HUD, signaling a shift in priorities under the new administration.
Overall, Turner’s confirmation hearing reflected his dedication to promoting self-sufficiency, expanding economic opportunities, and addressing housing affordability challenges. If confirmed as HUD secretary, Turner’s leadership could bring about innovative solutions to help individuals achieve independence and realize their full potential.
