Scott Turner’s confirmation hearing for the position of housing secretary took place on Thursday, where he provided insights into his potential plans for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As he sought to step into this role under President-elect Donald Trump, the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee engaged him primarily about issues relating to housing affordability, homelessness, and potential reforms to HUD’s housing subsidy programs.
During the hearing, which was one of the most revealing discussions Turner has had regarding housing policies, he shared anecdotes from his life. He identified himself as a Texas native shaped by personal experiences, emphasizing his upbringing in a fractured family due to his parents’ divorce. He also addressed the issue of homelessness on a personal level, recounting a family experience with his uncle, a veteran who faced homelessness. “When they found him, my family and I were able to come around him, to love him, to take him in, to give him the wraparound services that he needed,” Turner expressed, highlighting the crucial role of support for individuals in crisis.
Turner did not shy away from HUD’s current challenges, referencing a recent report that indicated a startling 18.1% rise in homelessness, which translates to approximately 770,000 individuals living without homes in 2024. He stated, “HUD, if you will, is failing at its most basic mission, and that has to come to an end,” underlining a commitment to address the urgent issues faced by the department.
Throughout the session, Turner interjected moments of levity related to his former career as an NFL player, even making a humorous remark about being drafted in the last round. However, the main focus of the conversation leaned towards his strategies for reforming HUD’s extensive housing subsidy system. Despite repeated inquiries from Democrats regarding his stance on Section 8 voucher programs, Turner refrained from guaranteeing an increase in the number of vouchers but suggested a desire to streamline the process for landlords participating in these programs.
During the discourse, Senator Ruben Gallego pressed Turner on the need to protect U.S. citizens living in HUD-supported housing, particularly in cases where undocumented individuals may be living in the same household. Turner asserted his commitment to uphold existing laws, demonstrating a balance between supporting American citizens while acknowledging the sensitivities surrounding undocumented residency in HUD programs. “We do not like to tear up families, but we have an obligation to serve the American people,” he remarked, reflecting on the complexities of the situation.
As only the sole Black nominee for Trump’s Cabinet, Turner was also interrogated about his stance on fair housing laws, which are pivotal in combating housing discrimination. He declared his intention to uphold these laws; however, he avoided providing specifics on how he would manage existing initiatives from the previous administrations aimed at reducing discrimination. When questioned about potential budget cuts under Trump for HUD, he assured the committee of his willingness to engage in dialogues with both the president and Congress to advocate for the department’s interests and maximize its budget.
