On Wednesday, Scott Turner was officially appointed as the new Secretary of Housing, a significant position in President Donald Trump’s domestic policy agenda amid rising concerns from Americans regarding the cost of living. This confirmation came with a narrow vote of 55-44, and only two Democratic Senators, Peter Welch from Vermont and John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, supported Turner’s confirmation.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is responsible for implementing and managing federal housing laws. A substantial portion of HUD’s financial resources is allocated to provide housing assistance for low-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, in addition to programs aimed at community development and fighting homelessness. Under Turner’s leadership, HUD is expected to address critical issues, including the surge in housing prices, promoting economic development in struggling urban areas, and reducing homelessness, particularly among veterans.
Turner is notable for being the second former professional football player to lead HUD, following in the footsteps of Jack Kemp, who held the position during President George H.W. Bush’s administration. He also marks the sole Black member of Trump’s Cabinet, a distinction previously held by Ben Carson, who was HUD secretary in Trump’s first term.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to take action to lower housing costs, proposing controversial measures like mass deportations of undocumented migrants and the establishment of innovative “freedom cities” on federal land. These ambitious plans would intersect significantly with Turner’s responsibilities as housing secretary.
In his confirmation hearing, Turner spoke passionately about the dire need for housing development across the nation, asserting, “We are not building enough homes. We need millions of homes— multifamily, single-family, duplexes, condos, and manufactured housing. We require options for individuals and families to have a roof over their heads and a place to call home.”
Prior to his confirmation, Turner was the Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term, where he played a pivotal role in the “opportunity zone” program aimed at attracting private investments into distressed urban areas. This policy allows investors to postpone taxes on profits made in qualifying low-income neighborhoods until the program ends in late 2026. It was advocated by Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and was implemented as part of Trump’s tax reform in 2017. Turner has expressed a desire to broaden the reach of this initiative.
“Having witnessed the tangible effects of this initiative firsthand, I understand how it has empowered Americans in underrepresented communities to establish businesses, secure better housing, become self-sufficient, and unlock the promise bestowed upon each of us in this country,” Turner stated during his hearing.
Senator John Barrasso from Wyoming praised the success of the program under Turner, highlighting that it facilitated “$50 billion in private investments” aimed at revitalizing struggling neighborhoods. Barrasso remarked, “These investments have helped breathe life back into many neglected areas. Scott Turner played a crucial role in their success, making him the ideal candidate to drive opportunities forward now.”
