Eric Scott Turner, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is scheduled to appear before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee for his confirmation hearing on Thursday morning.
Turner, 52, is a former NFL player who transitioned into politics before Trump's first term. He played as a cornerback in the NFL for nine seasons, starting in 1995, with teams such as the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos.
Following an unsuccessful congressional bid in California in 2006, Turner served as a Texas state representative from 2012 to 2017. During President Trump’s first term, Turner was appointed as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, focusing on economic development in low-income areas.
In his recent confirmation hearing, Turner emphasized the housing affordability and homelessness crisis, highlighting the increase in homelessness in 2024. He expressed concerns about HUD's effectiveness in fulfilling its core mission.
Senate Democrats are expected to scrutinize Turner's stance on expanding Section 8 housing vouchers and his support for work requirements in HUD programs. Sen. Elizabeth Warren raised questions about corporate landlords and private equity firms purchasing single-family homes, accusing Turner of favoring big business over families.
Despite Turner's previous role in the Trump administration, Democrats criticized his responses for lacking specificity and failing to address the housing affordability crisis.
Turner is set to face the committee in an executive session at 10:00 a.m. ET for the confirmation vote. If approved by the committee, his nomination will proceed to the full Senate for further consideration.
