The saying “nice guys finish last” certainly doesn’t seem to apply to Scott Turner, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to be secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Turner appeared Thursday before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, and his affable nature charmed the Republicans and easily fended off attacks from the Democrats on the committee.
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Turner, who is a former NFL player, Texas state representative and member of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term, easily handled questions put to him about, among other things, making homeownership more affordable for everyday Americans and helping residents who’ve seen their domiciles destroyed by natural disasters.
Some of the things Turner promised to do if confirmed:
- Travel to communities in western North Carolina that were devastated by Hurricane Helene;
- Visit areas like Detroit and North Charleston to see firsthand the housing challenges faced by urban areas;
- Expand Opportunity Zones to encourage development in “economically distressed” communities;
- Return HUD employees to in-person work; and,
- Ensure Americans are not forced from their homes due to the burden of housing millions of illegals.
Before the hearing began, Turner tweeted out his excitement to get the proceedings rolling.
All the glory to God. I’m blessed with the opportunity to testify in front of the Senate Banking Committee as President Trump’s nominee for Housing and Urban Development. This moment is a testimony to the goodness of God and the American Dream. I look forward to sharing my vision… pic.twitter.com/GuUPSKHxAx
— Scott Turner (@sturnerofficial) January 16, 2025
He was introduced to the committee by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), then, following statements from Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Turner made his own opening statement.
WATCH: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development nominee @sturnerofficial‘s full opening statement before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee.
“The challenges that HUD faces are vital to our nation — as well as personal to me.” pic.twitter.com/tcjUBSVgCh
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 16, 2025
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Here are some excerpts from his prepared remarks.
On his childhood and the journey that led him to being nominated to join Trump’s Cabinet:
I sit before you today as the nominee to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. But deep down, this opportunity is very personal to me.
You see, I grew up a kid in Plano and Richardson, Texas. Who worked as a dishwasher at Spring Creek Barbeque. Early on in childhood, whose family was broken due to divorce, with the odds stacked against him. Who overcame adversity and bucked the status quo to attend and graduate from college.
Who, in spite of being drafted in the 7th round, went on to have a successful career in the National Football League. Who went on to serve in the Texas State Legislature, which was a great honor. And work in the White House to advance the Opportunity Zone initiative.
As I sit before you today, I am humbled by the call to serve my country as a member of President Trump’s cabinet. I know my upbringing and background are not completely unique. There are many in this country — some sitting in this room today — who at one point or another had to overcome adversity of all kinds. We have all been there. And recognizing this, I hope we can work together for the betterment of all Americans and the American Dream.
On the issues currently facing HUD:
HUD’s mission is to create strong and sustainable communities and support quality affordable homes — serving the most vulnerable of our nation. Yet, as we sit here, we have a housing crisis in our country, where American people and families are struggling every day.
HUD is failing at its most basic mission.
Take the Point-In-Time homelessness figures HUD released several weeks ago. On one single night, there were 770,000 Americans experiencing homelessness. Let that sink in: 770,000 homeless Americans. That’s not only an all-time high, it’s an increase of 32 percent from just two years ago. That’s a national embarrassment and something that cannot continue.
As a country, we’re not building enough housing. We need millions more homes of all kinds, single family, apartments, condos, duplexes, manufactured housing, you name it, so individuals and families can have a roof over their heads and a place to call home.
Then there’s the HUD workforce. Every report I’ve seen shows HUD at the bottom when it comes to employees returning to work. We need to bring the HUD staff back to the office so that they are empowered to serve the American people.
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On his approach to taking the help at HUD:
When I played in the NFL, we relied on game films to identify our mistakes and areas for improvement. I spent hours poring over the tapes to identify the smallest weaknesses in my game and determine what I could do to improve. The film told the story of my performance — cutting through the noise and focusing on results.
If I am confirmed as Secretary, I want to bring this same approach to the work we do at HUD because each day we have an opportunity to improve and better serve the American people.
Senators, this is a clarion call. Poverty has no party. Homelessness has no party. It doesn’t see red or blue. My call is to be a steward, a champion, an ambassador. I want to lift up the stories of all the forgotten Americans. And I want to work with you to do it.
My heart is ready to serve. I thank God for allowing me this opportunity. And I want to thank all of you on the committee for your kindness and consideration.
It was hard for Democrats to land a punch against the very affable and polite Scott Turner, who is a shoo-in to be confirmed as the next Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
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