Trump’s HUD Secretary Nominee Scott Turner Pledges to Help Americans Achieve Self-Sustainability
In a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday, former NFL player and Texas state legislator Scott Turner emphasized his commitment to helping Americans reduce their reliance on government assistance. Nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Turner outlined his vision for tackling the nation’s housing challenges while advancing policies from Trump’s first administration.
Testifying before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Turner highlighted his priorities, which include cutting red tape, enhancing public-private partnerships, and maximizing the existing HUD budget. “This moment is not just about fixing what’s broken. It’s about continuing and expanding the policies from the first Trump administration — policies that worked,” Turner stated.
Helping Americans Become Self-Sufficient
Turner said his primary goal as HUD secretary would be to empower Americans to achieve financial independence and realize the American Dream. “I want to help people get off government assistance, become self-sustainable, and achieve the American Dream,” Turner said.
Drawing on his previous experience as executive director of the Trump administration’s Opportunity and Revitalization Council, Turner expressed a desire to expand initiatives like Opportunity Zones, designed to stimulate economic growth in low-income and minority communities.
Addressing Housing Costs and Budget Utilization
Turner also addressed the skyrocketing costs of housing, saying, “There are many factors to why housing is so expensive now, and I believe first we need to get our own fiscal house in order.” When pressed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) about whether he would support increased federal investment in affordable housing construction, Turner noted that HUD’s nearly $70 billion budget should be better utilized to meet its goals.
While Turner did not commit to specific funding decisions, he indicated a willingness to work with lawmakers to review programs like Section 8 housing assistance and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program on a case-by-case basis. However, Democrats voiced concerns that Turner might reduce funding for key HUD initiatives.
Work Requirements and Housing Policies
Turner’s support for work requirements for Section 8 recipients was a contentious topic during the hearing. When asked about his stance, Turner explained that he believed such requirements could help encourage self-sufficiency but was interrupted before providing a full explanation.
Additionally, Turner faced questions from Democratic senators about addressing racial bias in housing appraisals and tackling alleged price gouging by real estate investors. He promised to collaborate with lawmakers to examine these issues but stopped short of committing to specific actions.
Opposition to DEI Mandates
Turner criticized the inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) requirements in housing grant applications, calling it a politicization of the agency’s processes. “When we grant assistance, obviously there’s accountability, there’s transparency, but to hold anyone hostage because of a politicization of an agency, or a process, is wrong across the board,” he said.
Balancing Reform and Expansion
Turner’s nomination signals a continuation of Trump-era housing policies focused on economic revitalization and reduced government dependency. However, his cautious responses on funding and his opposition to DEI mandates have drawn criticism from Democrats, who are pressing for more federal investment and progressive reforms in the housing sector.
As the confirmation process unfolds, Turner’s ability to navigate bipartisan concerns while advancing his vision for HUD will be pivotal. For now, his message remains clear: helping Americans transition to self-sufficiency and ensuring HUD operates with efficiency and accountability.
Source : Swifteradio.com
