Scott Turner, a former NFL player turned Texas state lawmaker, said during his confirmation hearing Thursday that he would be next Housing and urban development (HUD) Secretary’s goal will be to help people escape government assistance and become self-sufficient.
Testifying before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, Turner said that, if confirmed, his priority would be to advance and expand the policies announced by the new Trump administration.
“This moment isn’t just about fixing what’s broken, it’s about continuing and expanding the policies of the first Trump administration — policies that worked,” Turner said Thursday, adding that his “goal” as HUD secretary will be “to help people get out of government.” aid, become self-sufficient, and achieve the American dream.”
Turner previously served as executive director of the Trump administration’s Opportunity and Revitalization Council, which was created “Opportunity Zones”, an economic revitalization plan aimed at helping low-income minority communities that Turner hopes to expand. Turner also said he plans to cut red tape and work with state, local and private partners to lower the cost of housing.
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Eric Scott Turner, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, is sworn in during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing for his upcoming confirmation on Capitol Hill on Thursday, January 16, 2025 in Capitol Hill. Washington. (Associated Press)
“I believe having that equity in the home should be available to the homeowner because that’s how most families start building wealth,” Turner said.
But Democrats questioned during the hearing whether Turner could make housing more affordable.
At one point during the hearing, Turner was asked about his support for work requirements for those receiving Section 8 housing assistance, telling committee members he thought it was a good idea. When Turner tried to explain his reasoning, he was interrupted by the senator questioning him, but he was unable to respond.
When asked whether he would stop funding certain programs, Turner did not provide a specific answer either way. But he did pledge to “maximize” the funding HUD has and will work with committee members to address concerns about funding certain programs.
“There are a lot of factors that explain why housing is so expensive right now, and I think we need to get our own budget house in order first,” Turner told Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., when she asked Turner if he wanted additional aid grant. federal investments to reduce the costs of building more affordable housing.
“I look forward to looking at the HOME program and other programs, but there is record funding from HUD. HUD’s budget is currently almost $70 billion, and we are still not meeting the needs we should be meeting. ”
Eric Scott Turner, President-elect Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee confirmation hearing in Washington, DC, Thursday, January 16, 2025. (Getty Images)
Turner said that in addition to addressing Democrats’ concerns, he plans to conduct an agency-wide review of current programs to assess what’s working and what’s not working well and identify any regulatory barriers that impact on the offer affordable housing.
Turner said much of this work will involve collaboration with state and local officials, as they are uniquely familiar with the housing needs and roadblocks within their communities.
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Turner also said he plans to find ways to reduce the disease costs of construction and working with private sector entities in the housing market.
Eric Scott Turner, President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, arrives to testify during his confirmation hearing for Banks, Housing and Urban Affairs at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on January 16, 2025 in Washington, DC (Getty Images)
In addition to their questions about funding for HUD programs, Democrats questioned Turner on whether he would work to eliminate alleged racial bias from the home appraisal industry and whether he plans to go after “price gouging” by real estate investors.
Turner said he would commit to looking into the issue with Democrats and making a decision from there. However, Turner did rail against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) measures, which he said are embedded in HUD.
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“Despite all the subsidies and all the trillions of dollars the Biden administration has spent, not much good has happened.” Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., chairman of the Senate Banking Committee said during his opening statement on Thursday.
“But today is a new day in America, and new leadership is bringing back hope, opportunity and enthusiasm for the American people.”
