In a notable move for his upcoming administration, President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Scott Turner, an associate pastor at the influential Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Announcing the nomination via a statement on his social media platform, Trump praised Turner as a pivotal leader in revitalizing distressed communities across the nation.
Turner previously held the role of executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term, where he made significant strides alongside former HUD Secretary Ben Carson. The president remarked on Turner’s impact by noting that under his oversight, Opportunity Zones garnered over $50 billion in private investment aimed at enhancing economic development.
Notably, Scott Turner isn’t just known for his governance; he’s also a former professional football player. He played as a defensive back in the NFL for several seasons with the Washington Redskins and the San Diego Chargers. Beyond his sports career, he served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2013 to 2017, where he was instrumental in various legislative efforts.
Endorsements from Peers
Turner has received enthusiastic support from influential figures within the Christian community. Jack Graham, the senior pastor at Prestonwood, expressed his wholehearted endorsement, referring to Turner as a “glorious choice” for HUD and expressing confidence in his abilities to fulfill this significant role. Similarly, Ben Carson hailed Turner as a “natural born leader” and a “man of God,” calling the nomination “phenomenal” and expressing belief that Turner would elevate the agency’s work.
In addition to his responsibilities at Prestonwood, Turner is engaged with multiple organizations focused on community service and education. He founded the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council, which emphasizes Christ-centered education programs for young students and mentorship opportunities for student-athletes. These initiatives aim to provide essential life skills and support, fostering not only academic success but personal growth rooted in faith.
Turner’s influence extends beyond the U.S. as he also serves on boards for organizations that work in international aid, including the Master Cares Foundation, which focuses on providing comprehensive support to impoverished communities in Uganda. Their projects consist of establishing schools and medical facilities while offering vocational training to help locals improve their livelihoods.
As Scott Turner awaits confirmation from the U.S. Senate, the political landscape appears favorable for his nomination. With a Republican majority in the upcoming 119th Congress, securing confirmation seems probable, especially if he can garner bipartisan support.
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