Staff Reports
A former NFL player is taking center stage once again, this time trading touchdowns for tax incentives as he becomes a key player in President Trump’s latest administration. This goes to show that tackling issues doesn’t just happen on the field. Scott Turner, who previously served as the first executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council under Trump, is stepping up to the plate—or should it be the “field”? His mission? To breathe new life into economically distressed areas known as Opportunity Zones. And let’s not forget the cherry on top: these areas are primed for federal tax incentives, which can lead to real investment and growth.
Turner received high praise from Trump who claimed he led an “unprecedented effort” to resurrect some of the nation’s most troubled communities alongside the notable Ben Carson, acting as a philosophical fullback in the HUD playbook. But it’s not all passing yards and touchdowns for Turner; he has his hands in various initiatives promoting education and community engagement through the Center for Education Opportunity. His focus on sports mentorship and economic revitalization could serve to unite people where it counts the most—right in their own neighborhoods.
With a storied nine-year career in the NFL, Turner certainly knows a thing or two about competition. Although he didn’t snag a Super Bowl ring, he suited up alongside teams like the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos. When the cleats were hung up, he didn’t just return to the sidelines; he jumped straight into the political arena, working as an intern for then-Rep. Duncan Hunter during the NFL offseasons. Turner’s political journey saw him traverse the halls of the Texas House, where he served two terms with a cadre of tea party-backed legislators, before calling it quits on a potential third term.
Who is Scott Turner, Trump’s nomination for secretary of housing and urban development? https://t.co/iMwR7r0Zdn
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) November 26, 2024
Now Turner is about to make history as the first black appointee in Trump’s cabinet for the upcoming administration. He finds himself among a diverse team of Texans—including former Rep. John Ratcliffe for CIA director and Elon Musk making a splash with the Department of Government Efficiency. This lineup is not just a testament to the greatness of Texas but also a nod towards the nationwide philosophy of revitalizing communities by emphasizing initiative and ability over identity politics.
If confirmed, Turner will oversee the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a position that carries significant responsibility. His focus will be on public housing and affordable housing construction, which is a pressing issue for many American families feeling squeezed by economic conditions. With Trump’s commitment to lowering home prices by attacking illegal immigration and inflation, it appears Turner will have plenty of room to maneuver. The audacious goal is clear: to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their background, can find decent housing. This isn’t just another government job; this is about making real strides in improving lives.
