Scott Turner, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, is a former NFL player who served as the head of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump's first term. Turner, 52, is the first Black person to be selected as a member of the Republican Cabinet.
Turner's background includes a successful career in professional football, having played as a defensive back for nine seasons in the NFL for teams such as the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos. After retiring from football in 2004, Turner transitioned into politics, working for then-Rep. Duncan Hunter as an intern during his offseasons. He later ran as a Republican candidate in California's 50th Congressional District in 2006.
In 2013, Turner entered the Texas House as part of a group of tea party-supported lawmakers. He made a bid for the speakership but did not seek a third term after completing his second term in 2016.
Aside from his political career, Turner has worked as a motivational speaker and pastor. He held the position of 'chief inspiration officer' at a software company, where he mentored employees and the executive team. Turner and his wife, Robin Turner, founded a nonprofit organization focused on improving childhood literacy. He also serves as an associate pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church and chairs the Center for Education Opportunity at the America First Policy Institute.
During Trump's first term, Turner led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, which aimed to attract investment to economically distressed areas known as 'Opportunity Zones.' The council worked to coordinate efforts across federal agencies to leverage federal tax incentives in these zones.
As the incoming head of HUD, Turner will oversee the agency's mission of addressing the nation's housing needs, enforcing fair housing laws, and providing housing assistance to low-income families. HUD manages programs that range from reducing homelessness to promoting homeownership, with a significant budget allocated to affordable housing construction and rental subsidy programs.
Trump's housing policy focus during his campaign centered on housing affordability, with promises to tackle high housing costs by addressing illegal immigration, reducing inflation, easing home construction regulations, and making federal land available for residential development.
