Trump’s Housing Nominee Faces Policy Questions Ahead

Scott Turner Faces Senate Confirmation Hearing to Lead HUD Amid Controversy

Scott Turner, a former professional football player and official during Donald Trump’s first term, is set to testify before senators on Thursday as part of the confirmation process for his nomination to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The nomination has sparked a mix of reactions from affordable housing advocates and housing policy experts, who are raising concerns about Turner’s past statements and legislative voting record.

Turner, who gained prominence as a cornerback in the NFL for nine seasons, served as a Republican representative in the Texas House from 2013 to 2017. During his tenure, he supported controversial legislation allowing landlords to turn away applicants who receive federal housing assistance. Additionally, he opposed funding measures for public-private initiatives aimed at aiding the homeless, drawing scrutiny from advocacy groups who worry about his commitment to affordable housing solutions.

Despite having a long-shot bid for the Texas House speaker position, Turner chose not to seek re-election. Post-legislature, he took on a significant role as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, where he worked on a federal initiative to stimulate investment in economically distressed regions during Trump’s presidency.

If confirmed, Turner would inherit oversight of an agency responsible for administering vouchers and rental assistance to millions of low-income families. The HUD also allocates substantial funds to assist the homeless and enforces federal fair housing laws. This high-stakes role places him in the spotlight as he is expected to address pressing issues such as the ongoing housing crisis, which has seen significant frustration among Americans due to soaring housing costs and a nationwide shortage of affordable homes.

Senators are likely to question Turner rigorously about his strategies to increase housing supply and how he plans to support renters at a time when housing affordability remains a critical concern in the U.S. In previous comments, Turner has demonstrated admiration for Ben Carson, the housing secretary during Trump’s first term, referring to him as a “great mentor.” Carson publicly expressed his support for Turner, stating that he had worked effectively with the HUD team and was instrumental in promoting opportunity zones that were aligned with the Trump administration’s economic vision.

Turner’s most recent role was as the chief visionary officer for JPI, a real estate development company focused on multifamily properties in Texas and Southern California. He also serves as the chairman of the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute, an organization heavily populated by former Trump administration officials. In addition, he holds a position as an associate pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas.

His previous comments regarding welfare and government programs have raised alarms among housing advocates. Turner has labeled some forms of public assistance as “dangerous,” causing groups like the National Low Income Housing Coalition to voice concerns about his past actions and statements. Renee M. Willis, interim president and CEO of the Coalition, underscored her desire for clearer insights into Turner’s policy intentions, particularly given his opposition to meaningful housing initiatives in the past.

Experts from the housing sector have echoed these worries, with Heather Way from the University of Texas School of Law emphasizing that Turner’s voting history shows a significant reluctance to address the housing needs of low-income Texans. Critics have expressed that the opportunity zone program, which Turner has championed, provides substantial tax incentives to wealthy investors without adequately addressing the challenges faced by low-income communities.

Conversely, some housing professionals argue that Turner’s extensive experience in multifamily property development may provide valuable perspectives on addressing challenges within federal housing regulations. David Garcia, policy director at Up for Growth, a Washington-based research group focusing on housing shortages, indicated that Turner’s background could be beneficial in reforming regulatory frameworks that impede housing development.

David M. Dworkin, president of the National Housing Conference, expressed a more optimistic view, advocating for Turner to be given the benefit of the doubt regarding his qualifications. He noted that the distinct contexts of navigating HUD amidst the current housing crisis and making decisions in a conservative legislative environment may shape Turner’s approach should he be confirmed.

As Scott Turner prepares to face senators, all eyes will be on how he articulates his vision for the future of HUD and addresses the complex dynamics of affordable housing in America. The outcome of this confirmation hearing could have lasting implications on housing policy and support for vulnerable populations across the country.