Scott Turner HUD secretary/ Trump housing policies/ Scott Turner Opportunity Zones/ HUD challenges 2024/ affordable housing Trump administration/ WASHINGTON/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Scott Turner, a former NFL player and leader of the Opportunity and Revitalization Council, as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Turner’s background includes work as a state legislator, motivational speaker, and pastor. He will oversee HUD’s mission to address housing needs, fair housing laws, and programs for low-income Americans.
Scott Turner: Quick Looks
- NFL Roots: Played nine seasons as a defensive back in the NFL before entering politics.
- Public Service: Led the Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term.
- Motivational Leader: Former pastor and speaker known for promoting education and childhood literacy.
- HUD’s Mission: Turner will tackle affordable housing, homelessness, and public housing programs.
- Policy Goals: Trump’s campaign promises included lowering housing costs and deregulating construction.
Ex-NFL Player Scott Turner Tapped as HUD Secretary by Trump
Deep Look
President-elect Donald Trump has named Scott Turner as his pick for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Turner, a former professional football player and motivational leader, brings a unique blend of athletic, political, and pastoral experience to the role. As the first Black member of Trump’s second Cabinet, Turner’s appointment signals a focus on revitalizing economically distressed communities and tackling housing challenges.
From the NFL to Public Service
Turner, 52, hails from Richardson, Texas, and attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he excelled as a defensive back. His nine-year NFL career included stints with the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos.
While still playing professionally, Turner interned for then-Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., and later worked full-time for the congressman after retiring from football in 2004. Turner ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2006 before joining the Texas House in 2013 as part of a wave of Tea Party-backed legislators. Though he served only two terms, Turner made a bid for Speaker of the House before choosing not to seek re-election in 2016.
Motivational Leader and Pastor
Turner has cultivated a reputation as a motivational speaker, drawing from his experiences in athletics, politics, and ministry. As a “chief inspiration officer” for a software company, he mentored employees and executives. He also co-founded a nonprofit with his wife, Robin, to improve childhood literacy.
In addition to his work in education, Turner serves as an associate pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Texas. He chairs the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute, a think tank established by former Trump administration officials to prepare for a second term.
Leading Opportunity Zones
Turner gained national attention during Trump’s first term as head of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. The council aimed to attract investments to economically depressed “Opportunity Zones” through federal tax incentives. Trump credited Turner with leading an “unprecedented effort” to transform distressed communities.
This background aligns with HUD’s mission of improving housing conditions and reducing homelessness, while also supporting affordable housing development and homeownership.
HUD’s Challenges
As HUD Secretary, Turner will oversee programs that serve over 4.3 million low-income families through public housing, rental subsidies, and vouchers for private market housing. The department also manages initiatives to combat homelessness, promote homeownership, and ensure compliance with fair housing laws.
Turner inherits an agency with a vast budget and complex responsibilities, including funding affordable housing construction and responding to inflation’s impact on the housing market.
Trump’s Housing Agenda
During his campaign, Trump focused on reducing the cost of housing by addressing inflation, cutting construction regulations, and cracking down on illegal immigration. He also proposed making federal land available for residential construction, aiming to boost housing supply.
Turner’s experience in Opportunity Zones may inform his approach to HUD, particularly in fostering public-private partnerships to revitalize struggling neighborhoods.
