Former NFL Player Turned Politician to Lead Housing and Urban Development
Donald Trump has nominated former NFL cornerback and Texas politician Scott Turner to be the next Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Turner, 52, brings a unique mix of athleticism, political experience and community engagement to the role, having previously served as the inaugural Executive Director of the White House Council on Opportunity and Revitalization during Trump’s first term.
“I am pleased to nominate Scott Turner, from the State of Texas, to be Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD),” Trump announced in a statement.
Trump praised Turner’s leadership, saying he “helped lead an unprecedented effort that transformed our country’s most distressed communities.” The president-elect expressed confidence in Turner’s ability to address housing challenges and revitalization projects nationwide.
A Diversified Career That Spans Between Sport and Public Service
Turner’s path to HUD secretary is anything but conventional. A seventh-round pick in the 1995 NFL Draft, Turner played for the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos in a career that spanned nearly a decade. After retiring from professional football, the Richardson, Texas, native turned to politics, serving as a representative for Texas’ 33rd District in the House of Representatives.
His work as leader of Trump’s Opportunity and Revitalization Council focused on addressing issues in economically disadvantaged communities, a role that positioned him as a natural choice for HUD secretary in Trump’s second administration.
Trump’s Choices in His Cabinet Reflect Strategic Choices
Turner’s appointment marks the first appointment of a Black official in Trump’s ongoing cabinet-building process. It comes after Trump selected billionaire WWE co-founder Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education. McMahon, who led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, is known for supporting school choice and charter schools but lacks significant experience in education policy.
Together, these appointments signal Trump’s intent to mix familiar faces from his previous administration with new figures who can bring a fresh perspective.
What’s Turner Waiting For?
If confirmed, Turner will inherit a department facing growing challenges, including affordable housing shortages, homelessness and equitable urban development. His experience with the Opportunity Zones initiative will likely guide his approach to balancing public-private partnerships with federal housing policies.
Trump concluded his announcement with a congratulatory message for Turner and his family, saying, “Scott will work alongside me to make America great again for ALL Americans.”
