Donald Trump’s nomination of Scott Turner to run the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) raises significant concerns about the future of affordable housing and tenant protections across the country. Having previously served as a Texas state legislator, Turner’s contentious history—marked by opposition to many government-assisted housing initiatives—paints him as someone who may fundamentally reshape the agency at a time of dire need for affordable housing.
Turner, who has expressed skepticism toward government programs aimed at alleviating poverty, is likely to oversee policies affecting millions of vulnerable Americans. Under his leadership, HUD would manage substantial responsibilities including construction of affordable apartments, assistance to the homeless, and protection for low-income tenants. Yet, his past voting records suggest he may be at odds with these very missions.
During his time as a lawmaker, Turner was outspoken against various housing initiatives, voting against measures aimed at increasing affordable rental options and preventing homelessness. For example, he supported legislation allowing landlords to deny tenants who rely on federal housing assistance, showcasing his reluctance to back programs intended to aid those most in need.
Cea Weaver, the director of Housing Justice for All, remarked, “It just doesn’t seem to me like this is someone who is at all aligned with what the values of the agency should be.” This sentiment echoes broader worries from advocates who fear a shift toward deregulation under Turner’s oversight. The National Housing Law Project's executive director, Shamus Roller, warned, “If, at a fundamental level, you believe…you’re going to try to undermine those programs,” raising alarms about the potential for increasing homelessness.
During his confirmation process, Turner has not publicly clarified his specific strategies for HUD. He is quoted as vowing to “bring much-needed change” to the department. Critics, particularly from the housing advocacy community, are left feeling uncertain about what this change will entail.
Turner's nomination has also drawn scrutiny due to his previous connections with controversial funding measures during the Trump administration. He led the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, which promoted Opportunity Zones, linked to tax breaks aimed at attracting investment to economically distressed areas, drawing interest from wealthy investors rather than local communities. His history of aligning with fiscal strategies over social welfare could indicate future priorities at HUD.
Despite the skepticism, there are those who remain cautiously optimistic about Turner’s intentions. Richard Peña Raymond, a Democratic Texas House member who worked alongside Turner, noted, “My sense of him is he will try to help people.” This duality of opinion highlights the division within political and social realms on what Turner’s leadership will look like.
HUD itself plays a pivotal role, with responsibilities surrounding rental assistance for around 2 million families, management of 800,000 public housing units, and combatting discrimination and segregation. Experts warn the agency is pivotal for combating the current housing crisis, which is being exacerbated by inflationary pressures and stagnant wages.
Turner’s views stem from his challenging upbringing, which he has publicly discussed. Now positioned to lead HUD with over 10,000 employees, his approach will have substantial ramifications for housing policies during his tenure. The stakes are high, as the U.S. grapples with increasing homelessness rates across urban and suburban areas.
The contours of this potential change raise urgent questions about the future of HUD and its foundational goals to support the disenfranchised. Turner, amid calls for immediate action to address housing shortfalls, now holds the power to enact substantial reforms—or to pivot away from them entirely, exacerbated if his record reflects his priorities as the head of HUD.
