In a major move, President-elect Donald Trump has selected former NFL player Scott Turner to head the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
If confirmed, Turner, a former football standout, may reverse key housing policies from the Biden administration and make significant changes to homelessness programs, building upon initiatives from Trump's previous term, as the New York Post reports.
Turner, 52, is not unfamiliar with significant roles in government. During Trump's first term, he played a pivotal role as the first executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. This council, established in 2018, was one of the flagship initiatives of Trump, aimed at stimulating investment in designated "opportunity zones."
These opportunity zones were a part of the broader Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Turner was instrumental in driving efforts to help economically distressed communities through these zones. His experience with this initiative could be a precursor to the strategies he might employ at HUD.
In his new role, if confirmed, Turner will be responsible for a wide array of duties. These include enforcing housing laws, managing housing programs, administering rental subsidies, and tackling cases of housing discrimination. This is no small task, especially with the expected policy shifts from the previous administration's directives.
Following Trump's defeat in the 2020 election, Turner transitioned to focus on educational opportunities. He became the chair of the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute, an organization with goals aligned to those of the previous Trump administration.
Before venturing into politics and public service, Turner had a distinguished career in athletics. He spent nine seasons in the National Football League. During this time, Turner played with teams such as the Washington Commanders, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos.
Turner also served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017, marking his foray into governance and legislative affairs. His multi-faceted background across sports, politics, and public policy showcases his diverse capabilities.
Trump, expressing his confidence in Turner, cited his experience with revitalizing distressed communities. Trump referred to Turner as an "NFL Veteran" who led "an Unprecedented Effort" to transform some of the country's most neglected areas during his prior administrative term.
If confirmed, Turner's appointment signals a significant shift in HUD's policy direction. His leadership is expected to focus on reversing many policies initiated during Joe Biden's tenure, especially concerning fair housing regulations and homelessness programs.
Turner's expected priorities might revisit strategies employed during Trump's previous time in office, potentially bringing significant changes to rental subsidy programs and addressing housing discrimination cases with a different approach. This nomination suggests a continuation of policy reorientation,” with a focus on stimulating economic growth in struggling areas, as Turner did with opportunity zones.
In conclusion, President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Scott Turner to lead HUD points to a broader strategy to revisit and reshape housing policies. Turner's past roles in government, his time as an NFL player, and his work in public service all combine to paint a picture of a leader prepared to take on new challenges.
As Turner potentially gears up to oversee significant changes in housing law and management, eyes will be on how he plans to implement Trump's housing vision. The combination of Turner's diverse background and the proposed shifts in policy could herald a transformative period in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
