Trump’s Pick Scott Turner Confirmed as HUD Secretary with Focus on Housing Crisis

The former Texas legislator and ex-NFL cornerback will lead the agency responsible for providing housing assistance to millions of American families.

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The U.S. Senate has officially confirmed Scott Turner, a former professional football player, as the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Nominated by former President Donald Trump, Turner secured the position with a 55-44 vote on Wednesday.

As the head of HUD, Turner will oversee efforts to combat homelessness, provide financial assistance to renters and homeowners, and enforce policies to prevent housing discrimination. The agency, which employs around 10,000 people, operates with an annual budget exceeding $70 billion (£56 billion).

Before transitioning into politics, Turner played in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams, including the Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, and San Diego Chargers. His appointment marks a significant milestone as he is the only Black cabinet member in the Trump administration.

Scott Turner’s confirmation as the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) saw limited bipartisan support, with only two Democratic senators, Peter Welch of Vermont and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, voting in favor. His appointment places him in the same role previously held by Dr. Ben Carson during Donald Trump’s first term. Like Carson, Turner is the only Black cabinet member in the administration.

Turner brings prior political and administrative experience to the role, having served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term. He also has legislative experience as a former member of the Texas House of Representatives.

During his Senate confirmation hearing last month before the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, Turner reflected on his upbringing in Texas, sharing his early experience working as a dishwasher at a barbecue restaurant. He emphasized the urgent need for more housing nationwide and stressed the importance of addressing the country’s homelessness crisis. Turner did not hold back in his assessment of HUD, calling the agency “broken” and urging its workforce to return to in-office operations.

“We have a housing crisis in our country, where American people and families are struggling every day,” Turner told the committee. “HUD is failing at its most basic mission.”

As the leader of HUD, Turner will oversee a broad portfolio of housing and development programs. The agency, which operates with an annual budget of over $70 billion, plays a critical role in supporting low-income individuals, the elderly, and disabled communities. A significant portion of its funds is allocated to rental assistance for over two million families and the management of 790,000 public housing units across the country. Additionally, HUD administers mortgage and loan insurance programs for homeowners, distributes block grants to aid in low-income housing development, and supports broader community revitalization efforts.

Following Turner’s confirmation, the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment, a nonprofit organization focused on housing policy and development, expressed its willingness to collaborate with him. In a statement, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside HUD to promote affordable housing and ensure that local housing and community development agencies receive their federally allocated funds without disruption.

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