WASHINGTON (AP) 鈥� was confirmed Wednesday as the housing secretary, a role central to President Donald Trump鈥檚 at a time when most Americans say the cost of living around necessities are a top concern.
The , Texas state representative and White House senior aide was confirmed in a 55-44 vote. Only two Democrats backed Turner鈥擲ens. Peter Welch of Vermont and of Pennsylvania.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is tasked with enforcing and coordinating federal housing law. The vast majority of HUD's budget goes toward housing assistance for lower-income families, the elderly and disabled as well as community development and homelessness programs. The department will be at the forefront of issues ranging from rising housing costs to spurring economic development in struggling cities and lowering homelessness rates, especially among veterans.
Turner will be the second professional football player to lead HUD, after former Rep. Jack Kemp served in the role under President . Turner is the only Black American member of Trump鈥檚 Cabinet; , who served as HUD secretary of Trump鈥檚 first term, was the only Black American member of that Cabinet.
Trump promised on the campaign trail to lower housing costs through mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and called for the creation of futuristic 鈥渇reedom cities鈥� built on federal land, proposals that would significantly overlap with Turner鈥檚 portfolio.
鈥淎s a country, we are not building enough homes. We need millions of homes, all kinds of homes 鈥� multifamily, single family, duplex, condo, manufacturing housing, you name it 鈥� we need housing in our country for individuals and families to have a roof over their head and to call home,鈥� Turner said during his confirmation hearing last month.
During Trump's first term, Turner served as the Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, where he helped direct the 鈥渙pportunity zone鈥� program that aims to boost private investment in struggling cities. Investors who participate can defer taxes on gains made into qualifying low-income neighborhoods until the program expires in late 2026.
The policy was championed by Sen. , R-S.C., and enacted in Trump's 2017 tax cuts law. Turner has said he wants to expand the program's efforts.
鈥淚 saw firsthand the impact of this initiative, as it gave Americans living in underserved communities an opportunity, a foundation to start businesses, to live in better homes, to be self-sustaining, to be confident, and to unleash that promise and potential that the lord has given each of us in our country,鈥� Turner said during his confirmation hearing.
Sen. , R-Wy., touted that the program under Turner's leadership 鈥渟ecured $50 billion in private investments鈥� for struggling communities.
鈥淭hese investments helped to revitalize many forgotten communities,鈥� Barrasso said. 鈥淪cott Turner was instrumental in their success. He is the right man to help ensure opportunity now.鈥�
Matt Brown, The Associated Press
