Trump names former NFL player Scott Turner as his pick for HUD secretary
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Scott Turner, executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, April 4, 2019. | Evan Vucci/AP
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Friday that he has chosen Scott Turner, a former NFL player and White House official, to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If confirmed by the Senate, Turner will be responsible for overseeing a range of programs aimed at promoting fair housing, ensuring affordable rental subsidies for low-income families, and administering mortgage insurance to potential homeowners.
Turner, who currently chairs the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute, has deep ties to Trump’s administration. The institute has been instrumental in shaping the president-elect’s policy agenda. During Trump’s first term, Turner served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, an initiative created in 2018 to foster investment in distressed areas designated as “opportunity zones.” These zones were established through the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which provided tax incentives for businesses and real estate projects in economically challenged neighborhoods. In 2019, Turner traveled with former HUD Secretary Ben Carson to promote the opportunity zones program, which aimed to revitalize low-income areas through private and public investment.
In announcing his selection, Trump praised Turner for his efforts in leading the Opportunity and Revitalization Council, describing his work as “an unprecedented effort that transformed our country’s most distressed communities.” Trump added that Turner, in collaboration with Carson, helped maximize the effectiveness of the program by overseeing the involvement of 16 federal agencies. Together, they implemented over 200 policy actions that helped promote economic development in the nation’s most struggling areas.
Turner’s background is rooted in both professional sports and public service. Raised in Texas, Turner had a successful career in the NFL, playing for nine seasons with the Washington Redskins (now known as the Washington Commanders), the San Diego Chargers, and the Denver Broncos. His football career ended after nearly a decade in the league, leading him to pursue a career in politics and public service.
After retiring from professional football, Turner ran for the California 50th Congressional District in 2006 but was unsuccessful. He later turned his attention to state politics, serving as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 2012 to 2017. Turner’s time in the state legislature was marked by his focus on economic development and community revitalization, issues that aligned well with his work at the White House. He also lost a bid for Texas House Speaker during his final year in office, but his work in state politics earned him respect for his leadership and policy initiatives.
Trump’s pick of Turner for the HUD role signals a continued focus on economic development and investment in underserved communities. The department’s primary responsibilities include enforcing fair housing laws, ensuring access to affordable housing, and supporting programs that assist low-income families in finding stable living conditions. Turner’s previous experience leading efforts to revitalize distressed communities positions him well to continue Trump’s agenda of economic growth and opportunity, particularly in underserved areas.
The nomination also underscores Trump’s emphasis on aligning private-sector investment with public policy initiatives. Turner’s leadership in the Opportunity Zones program exemplified this approach, helping bridge the gap between government incentives and private investment in economically disadvantaged areas. By tapping into private capital to drive growth and create jobs, Turner’s leadership has been credited with revitalizing communities and improving economic opportunities for thousands of Americans.
Should Turner be confirmed as HUD Secretary, he will be stepping into a department that has a critical role in addressing the nation’s housing challenges. Affordable housing, homelessness, and housing inequality continue to be pressing issues, particularly in urban areas where demand far exceeds supply. Turner’s experience in driving policy initiatives and fostering investment in low-income communities could help shape solutions to these long-standing problems.
Overall, Turner’s nomination to lead HUD represents a continuation of Trump’s focus on economic revitalization and public-private collaboration. By leveraging his experience in both the private sector and government, Turner aims to make significant strides in improving housing opportunities for Americans in need. With his background in sports, business, and politics, he brings a unique set of skills to the table, positioning him to take on the challenges of leading the HUD during a time when affordable housing remains a top priority for many communities across the country.
As the confirmation process moves forward, Turner’s track record in government and his commitment to revitalizing distressed communities will likely be key factors in determining his success in leading the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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