Former NFL player turned politician to lead housing and urban development
Donald Trump has named former NFL cornerback and Texas politician Scott Turner as the next secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Turner, 52, brings a unique blend of athleticism, political experience and community engagement to the role, having previously served as the first executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during President Donald Trump’s first term. Trump.
“I am pleased to nominate Scott Turner of the State of Texas as 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 nation’s most disadvantaged communities.” The president-elect expressed confidence in Turner’s ability to address housing challenges and lead revitalization projects nationwide.
A diverse career spanning sport and public service
Turner’s path to becoming 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 during a career spanning nearly a decade. After retiring from professional football, the Richardson, Texas native transitioned into politics, serving as the representative of Texas’ 33rd District in the state 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 the second Trump administration.
Trump’s Cabinet Picks Reflect Strategic Choices
Turner’s nomination marks Trump’s first appointment of a black official in his current cabinet-building process. This comes after Trump chose billionaire and WWE co-founder Linda McMahon as his education secretary. McMahon, who led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, is known for championing school choice and charter schools but lacks significant experience in education policy.
Together, these appointments signal Trump’s intention to mix familiar faces from his previous administration with new figures who can bring a fresh perspective.
What’s next for Turner?
If confirmed, Turner will inherit a department that faces growing challenges, including affordable housing shortages, homelessness and equitable urban development. His experience in 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.” »
