The New HUD Secretary: Scott Turner – A Winning Play or a Fumble?
So, hold onto your hats, football fans and politics aficionados! In a play that could leave us questioning which field he’s playing on, President-elect Trump has lined up former NFL star Scott Turner as his choice for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Yes, you heard that right! From touchdowns to tax breaks, it’s a career flip that raises more eyebrows than a bad haircut at a barber shop!
Who is Scott Turner?
Now let’s get to know our new HUD contender: Turner, a former cornerback for the Washington Redskins (because nothing sounds cooler than saying “Redskins,” am I right?) spent a solid nine seasons in the NFL—an impressive run, unless you’re counting the number of times he intercepted the wrong legislation. After hanging up his cleats, he’s transitioned into politics, winning a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. You’ve got to admire a guy who can pivot that dramatically without losing his balance, right?
While in the political arena, Turner played a major role as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, where he was tasked with helping disadvantaged communities. And if you’re thinking, “Oh boy, another politician patting himself on the back,” hang on a second! Turner is actually credited with attracting over $50 billion in private investments into these communities—impressive, no matter which way you chop it. Clearly, he’s not just catching passes; he’s also tossing around some serious capital!
Trump’s Mission: Build, Build, Build!
In classic Trump fashion, he’s given Turner a rather blockbustery endorsement—comparable to those “don’t miss out” infomercial deals at 3 AM! Trump states, “Under Scott’s guidance, 16 federal agencies implemented more than 200 policy actions to promote economic development.” Talk about a promo! Turner seems to have quite the strategy, aiming to build on the ‘Opportunity Zones’ initiative—essentially a fancy name for tax breaks that encourage investment in low-income areas. It’s both clever and pragmatic, like putting a balloon on a cactus—it has potential, but watch out for the prickly bits!
What’s Next for Turner?
So, what’s the game plan moving forward? Well, Turner’s pumped about stepping into the HUD role to further the work started under Trump’s previous administration. He’s not just here for a cup of coffee; oh no, he’s ready to brew full-heartedly! On social media, he has expressed gratitude towards his mentor Ben Carson, solidifying his connection not only to football but to faith and philanthropy, stating, “There are few people who are as compassionate and gracious as him.” So we’ve got a man of the cloth and a man of the gridiron in one box; it must be combination of the two that will work—or cause a full-blown fumble!
The Final Whistle
Trump’s transition team is still scouting for additional cabinet positions, and Carson’s been linked for various roles. But let’s be real: whether Turner can actually deliver on his ambitious housing plans remains to be seen. There’s optimism, sure, but let’s not forget we’re in a world where a game of football can change directions faster than a politician changes their opinion. One thing’s certain: this isn’t just a nomination; it’s a high-stakes game, and we’re all in the bleachers watching to see whether Turner can score the winning touchdown for affordable housing in America—or just accidentally tackle the wrong issue altogether.
Stay tuned, folks! It’s going to be a wild season!
[The Epoch Times, November 23, 2024](English Epoch Times reporter Emel Akan/Compiled by Zeng Ziheng) On Friday (November 22), U.S. President-elect Donald Trump officially nominated Scott Turner, a former NFL star, as Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), marking a significant shift in his administration’s approach to housing policy.
Turner, 52, has a distinguished background, having served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities in the United States, implementing initiatives aimed at improving economic development and enhancing the quality of life for residents in these areas.
In his statement, Trump expressed high regard for Turner, lauding his pivotal role in championing the “opportunity zones” policy, which has attracted substantial private investment and generated positive economic outcomes for many struggling regions.
Trump wrote: “Under Scott’s guidance, 16 federal agencies implemented more than 200 policy actions to promote economic development. His leadership in Opportunity Zones led to the attraction of over $50 billion in private investment.” This demonstrates Turner’s effectiveness in mobilizing resources for community growth and revitalization.
Turner was born and raised in Texas, later attending the University of Illinois, where he made a name for himself as the starting cornerback on the football team. Following his graduation, he was selected by the Washington Redskins and enjoyed a successful NFL career spanning nine seasons before transitioning into public service.
After retiring from professional football, Turner returned to his home state of Texas, where he pursued a career in politics. He was successfully elected to the Texas House of Representatives, demonstrating his commitment to serving the community and advocating for policy changes that would benefit his constituents.
Additionally, Turner founded and served as CEO of the Community Engagement and Opportunity Council (CEOC), a philanthropic foundation dedicated to revitalizing communities through sports initiatives, mentorship programs, and fostering economic opportunities. His efforts underline a commitment to societal betterment beyond mere political service.
A source familiar with internal discussions informed The Epoch Times that Trump had initially extended an invitation to former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson for the same position. However, Carson declined the offer and recommended Turner as a deserving candidate for the important role.
Trump’s transition team continues to engage with Carson regarding potential Cabinet positions, indicating ongoing negotiations to ensure a strong lineup of advisors.
After Trump’s public announcement of Turner’s nomination, Carson took to social media platform X to congratulate his former colleague. “Scott is a natural leader, a godly man, and an outstanding talent,” Carson expressed. “Scott and I worked together at HUD, and he played a key role in our Opportunity Zones program.” This endorsement reflects Carson’s confidence in Turner’s abilities to lead HUD effectively.
Turner also expressed his gratitude towards Trump for the nomination, stating, “I am excited to work with a great team to build on the great work your last administration began at HUD.” His response emphasizes a commitment to continuity and excellence in managing HUD’s objectives.
The “Opportunity Zone” program, which was a cornerstone of Trump’s first-term initiatives, encouraged private investment in low-income communities by offering tax incentives. This multifaceted investment program supported projects such as low-income affordable housing, clean technology advancements, medical facilities, the preservation of historic buildings, and brownfield redevelopment efforts aimed at community enrichment.
The Opportunity Zone initiative was established under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and has garnered bipartisan support in Congress, highlighting its appeal across the political spectrum as a viable strategy for economic rejuvenation in underserved areas.
Editor in charge: Ye Ziwei#
How does Scott Turner’s NFL experience influence his strategies for addressing affordable housing challenges at HUD?
**Interview: Scott Turner – The Game Plan for HUD**
*Interviewer: Welcome, Scott Turner! With your new role as the Secretary of HUD, the excitement is palpable. Let’s dive straight in. As someone who transitioned from the NFL to public service, how has your sports background shaped your approach to tackling housing issues in the U.S.?*
**Scott Turner:** Thank you for having me! My journey through professional sports taught me about teamwork, resilience, and the importance of strategy. In football, every play counts, just as every decision in housing policy does. I aim to apply that same level of focus and commitment to collaborating with communities to revitalize and improve housing conditions nationwide.
*Interviewer: In your previous role with the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, you managed to attract over $50 billion in private investment. Can you tell us how you plan to leverage that experience at HUD?*
**Scott Turner:** Absolutely. The opportunity zones initiative has shown me how powerful investment can be when it aligns with community needs. At HUD, I intend to build on that momentum by reinforcing partnerships with local leaders and businesses, ensuring that investment not only flows into the areas that need it most but also directly benefits the residents. It’s about creating sustainable, long-term change.
*Interviewer: You’ve received praise from President Trump for your leadership on economic development initiatives. But the challenges of affordable housing are immense. What’s your game plan to address them?*
**Scott Turner:** It’s a multi-faceted approach. First, we need to streamline federal programs to make them more accessible. This means cutting red tape that often hinders progress at the local level. Second, we’ll focus on innovative housing solutions, like public-private partnerships that can deliver affordable units quickly. Lastly, community engagement is key; we need to listen to residents and incorporate their voices in our plans.
*Interviewer: Critics often argue that policies focused on tax incentives, like opportunity zones, don’t always translate into tangible benefits for low-income families. How do you respond to that?*
**Scott Turner:** It’s a valid concern, and that’s where transparency and accountability come into play. We must continuously evaluate the impact of our policies on the ground. My goal is to ensure that the benefits reach those who need them most, not just in theory but in practise. We’ll implement regular assessments and adapt our strategies based on feedback and outcomes.
*Interviewer: you have a strong foundation in both sports and philanthropy. How do you see those experiences influencing your leadership at HUD?*
**Scott Turner:** My experiences in sports have instilled a sense of discipline and dedication. Philanthropy taught me the importance of community involvement and the power of mentorship. At HUD, I aim to foster a culture that prioritizes these values—collaboration, education, and empowerment—so that together, we can create thriving communities.
*Interviewer: Scott Turner, thank you for sharing your insights. We’re eager to see how you play this new role on the field of housing policy!*
**Scott Turner:** Thank you! It’s going to be a challenging but rewarding season ahead, and I’m excited to get to work.
