Trump’s HUD nominee wants to help Americans get away with government assistance

Scott Turner, a former NFL player turned Texas state legislator, said Thursday during his confirmation hearing that he is the next secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) his goal will be to help people escape government assistance and be able to make a living.

Testifying before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, Turner said that, if confirmed, his top priority would be to continue and expand the policies announced by the incoming Trump administration.

“This right now is not just about fixing what’s broken, but about continuing to expand policies from the Trump administration — policies that work,” Turner said Thursday, adding his “goal” as HUD secretary is “to help people get out of government.” help, to be able to settle down and achieve the American dream.”

Turner previously served as executive director of the Trump administration’s Council on Opportunity and Revitalization, which established “Opportunity Zones,” an economic revitalization program aimed at helping low-income, minority communities, which Turner said he hopes to expand. Turner also said he plans to cut red tape and coordinate with federal, state and private partners to reduce housing costs.

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“I believe that equity in the home must be available to the home owner because that’s how many families start building wealth,” said Turner.

But Democrats at the hearing questioned whether Turner would make housing more affordable.

At one point during the hearing, Turner was asked about his support for work requirements for Section 8 housing recipients, telling committee members he thought it was a good idea. When Turner tried to explain his thinking, he was cut off by a senator who asked him questions and could not answer.

As for whether he would cut funding for certain programs, Turner didn’t give a concrete answer either way. But he is committed to “maximizing” HUD’s existing funding and will work with committee members to address concerns about funding for certain programs.

“There are many factors as to why housing is so expensive right now, and I believe the first thing we need to do is fix our own housing,” Turner told Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., when she asked Turner if he would support other things. government investment to lower the cost of building affordable housing.

“I’m looking forward to looking at the HOME Program and other programs, but there’s record funding from HUD. HUD’s budget is about $70 billion right now, and we haven’t met the needs we’re supposed to meet.”

Eric Scott Turner, President-elect Trump’s nominee for US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, during a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing in Washington, DC, on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Getty Images)

Turner said that in addition to addressing the concerns of Democrats, he intends to conduct an agency-wide review of current programs to examine what is working and what is not working well and to identify any regulatory barriers that affect the provision of affordable housing.

Turner said much of the work will involve communicating with state and local officials, as they are particularly familiar with the housing needs and roadblocks in their communities.

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Turner also said he plans to find ways to reduce construction costs and partner with private companies within the housing market.

Eric Scott Turner, President Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, arrives to testify at his Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs confirmation hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on January 16, 2025. in Washington, DC (Getty Images)

In addition to their questions about HUD’s funding plans, Democrats asked Turner about whether he would work to eliminate allegations of racism in the home inspection industry and whether he intended to pursue “price gouging” for real estate investors.

Turner said he would commit to looking into the issue with Democrats and make a decision from there. However, Turner railed against the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) measures he said were included in HUD.

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“Despite all the funding and all the billions of dollars [the Biden administration] used, not much good has happened,” Sen. Tim Scott, RS.C., chairman of the Senate banking committee, said Thursday during his opening statement.

“But, today, it’s a new day in America, and new leadership brings hope and opportunity and enthusiasm to the American people.”