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Scott Turner was confirmed Wednesday as the new U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), securing a 55-44 Senate vote to lead an agency central to President Donald Trump’s domestic agenda.
A former NFL player, Texas state representative, and White House senior aide, Turner will oversee federal housing programs at a time when rising housing costs and affordability concerns are top issues for many Americans.
Turner’s confirmation received limited bipartisan support, with only two Democrats—Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.)—joining Republicans in voting for his appointment.
A Critical Role in Housing Policy
As HUD Secretary, Turner will be responsible for enforcing federal housing laws and overseeing affordable housing programs, homelessness initiatives, and community development efforts. The agency also manages housing assistance programs for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
“As a country, we are not building enough homes,” Turner said during his confirmation hearing. “We need millions of homes—multifamily, single-family, duplexes, condos, manufactured housing—you name it.”
Turner will be the second former professional football player to lead HUD, following Jack Kemp’s tenure under President George H.W. Bush. He is also the only Black member of Trump’s current Cabinet, a role previously held by Ben Carson during Trump’s first term.
Trump’s Housing Vision: Affordability & ‘Freedom Cities’
Trump has promised to lower housing costs through policies such as mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and the development of “freedom cities”—futuristic communities built on federal land. These proposals are expected to fall under Turner’s purview as HUD Secretary.
Revitalization & Opportunity Zones
Turner previously led Trump’s White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, which managed the opportunity zone program—a tax incentive designed to encourage private investment in struggling communities. The program, spearheaded by Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), was part of Trump’s 2017 tax reform law.
“I saw firsthand the impact of this initiative,” Turner said, highlighting its role in fostering business growth, homeownership, and self-sufficiency in underserved neighborhoods.
Under Turner’s leadership, the program secured $50 billion in private investment, according to Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), who praised Turner’s role in revitalizing “forgotten communities.”
Challenges & Priorities Ahead
As HUD Secretary, Turner will face significant challenges, including:
✔ Skyrocketing housing prices affecting millions of Americans.
✔ Homelessness, especially among veterans and low-income families.
✔ Expanding the Opportunity Zone program to sustain economic growth in struggling areas.
With housing affordability and economic development at the forefront of national concerns, Turner’s leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping Trump’s second-term housing policies.
