President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former NFL player and Council of Opportunity and Revitalization leader Scott Turner as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Mr. Turner has worked as a state legislator, motivational speaker and pastor. He will oversee HUD’s mission to address housing needs, fair housing laws and programs for low-income Americans.
Scott Turner: Quick Overviews
- NFL Roots:He played nine seasons as a defensive back in the NFL before entering politics.
- Civil service:He led the Council for Opportunity and Revitalization during Trump’s first term.
- Motivational leader:Former pastor and speaker known for his promotion of children’s education and literacy.
- HUD’s mission:Turner will address affordable housing, homelessness and public housing programs.
- Policy objectives:Trump’s campaign promises included lowering housing costs and deregulating construction.
Former NFL player Scott Turner named HUD secretary by Trump
Deep look
President-elect Donald Trump has named Scott Turner as his choice for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Turner, a former professional football player and motivational leader, brings a unique blend of sporting, political and pastoral experience to this role. As the first black member of Trump’s second Cabinet, Turner’s appointment speaks to the emphasis on revitalizing economically distressed communities and addressing housing issues.
From the NFL to public service
Turner, 52, is a native of Richardson, Texas, and attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he excelled as a defensive back. During his nine-year NFL career, he played for the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos.
While continuing to play professionally, Turner interned with then-Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., and later worked full-time for Congress after retiring from football in 2004. Turner ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2006 before joining the Texas House in 2013 as part of a wave of lawmakers supporting by the Tea Party. Although he only served two terms, Turner attempted to become Speaker of the House of Representatives before choosing not to run for re-election in the 2016 election.
Motivational leader and pastor
Turner built a reputation as a motivational speaker, drawing on his experiences in sports, politics and ministry. As the “director of inspiration” for a software company, he mentored employees and leaders. He also co-founded a nonprofit with his wife, Robin, to improve children’s literacy.
In addition to his work in education, Turner serves as associate pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Texas. He chairs the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute, a think tank created by former Trump administration officials to prepare for a second term.
Key Opportunity Zones
Turner gained national attention during Trump’s first term as head of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. The council aimed to attract investment to economically disadvantaged “opportunity zones” through federal tax incentives. Trump praised Turner for leading an “unprecedented effort” to transform struggling communities.
This context is consistent with HUD’s mission to improve housing conditions and reduce homelessness.while supporting the development of affordable housing and home ownership.
HUD Challenges
As HUD Secretary, Turner will oversee programs that serve more than 4.3 million low-income families through public housing, rental subsidies, and vouchers for housing in the private market. The department also manages initiatives to combat homelessness, promote homeownership, and ensure compliance with fair housing laws.
Turner inherits an agency with a huge budget and complex responsibilities, notably by financing the construction of affordable housing and responding to the impact of inflation on the housing market.
Trump’s housing agenda
During his campaign, Trump focused on reducing the cost of housing by tackling inflation, He also proposed reducing building regulations and cracking down on illegal immigration. He also proposed making federal land available for residential construction, with the goal of increasing the housing supply.
Turner’s experience in Opportunity Zones may inform his approach to HUD, in particular by promoting public-private partnerships to revitalize neighborhoods in difficulty.
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