Scott Turner, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is a former NFL player and public servant.
Turner commented on his appointment with a post on X:
Thank you, Mr. President. I am thrilled to continue the outstanding work we began in your last administration at HUD with an incredible team. I am deeply humbled by your confidence in my nomination.
I would also like to express the sincerest of gratitude to my mentor, Secretary… pic.twitter.com/X2ZJLSrfGI
— Scott Turner (@sturnerofficial) November 23, 2024
Turner, 52, will be the first Black Cabinet member under Trump, the Associated Press reported. During Trump’s first term, Turner led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.
Turner grew up in Richardson, Texas, played defensive back in the NFL for nine seasons, and later transitioned into public service, working for Congressman Duncan Hunter and serving in the Texas House from 2013 to 2016.
Turner has a diverse background, including running unsuccessfully for Congress, mentoring employees as a “chief inspiration officer” for a software company, and co-founding a nonprofit focused on childhood literacy.
He is also an associate pastor and chairs the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute. His Opportunity and Revitalization Council leadership focused on directing investments to distressed communities through “Opportunity Zones.”
As HUD Secretary, Turner will oversee a vast agency with a budget of tens of billions.
The agency addresses homelessness, enforces fair housing laws, and manages programs like public housing and rental subsidies for over 4.3 million low-income families.
During the campaign, Trump emphasized housing affordability, proposing measures like reducing construction regulations and making federal land available for residential use.
Turner’s nomination aligns with Trump’s focus on economic revitalization and housing affordability. During his tenure, his experience coordinating federal agencies to promote investment in struggling areas may shape his approach to tackling housing challenges and promoting homeownership.