Commitment to Accountability and the American Dream
Scott Turner, the newly appointed Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, delivered a powerful message at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Friday, vowing to bring real accountability to the government, tackle the housing crisis head-on, and rebuild the foundation of American society.
“We will be mission-minded at HUD, so I’m ready. I’m ready to do the work. I’m ready to rebuild and to revitalize American communities and ensure everyone has the opportunity to achieve the American dream.”
Turner shared a personal glimpse into the struggles young Americans face today, noting that even his 24-year-old son questioned how he would ever afford a home. The concerns of the younger generation, he emphasized, are not just statistics — they are real, and they demand action.
Tackling the Housing Crisis with Efficiency
The new HUD chief sees the housing crisis not as an insurmountable problem, but as an opportunity to make the federal government work smarter and more efficiently.
“We will take inventory to see which programs that we have that are serving you and which programs we have that are not serving you,” he said, signaling a much-needed audit of bloated and ineffective government programs.
A central theme of Turner’s speech was holding the federal government accountable to the American taxpayer — a principle that seems foreign to the bureaucrats in Washington.
“As stewards of the American taxpayer, we will be detailed and deliberate about every single dollar we spend to serve all American communities, rural, tribal, and urban,” he declared.
Embracing Federalism Over Bureaucratic Control
In a refreshing break from the heavy-handed, centralized approach that Democrats love, Turner stressed the importance of federalism in solving the housing crisis. Instead of imposing one-size-fits-all solutions from Washington, Turner pledged to work alongside local leaders who know their communities best.
“HUD will partner with local leaders, local leaders who know what their communities need to rebuild their lives and livelihoods, rather than imposing top-down solutions from Washington bureaucrats,” he said.
Turner, a former NFL cornerback, made it clear that his mission is simple: to do what is right for the American people.
“My only goal is to do what’s right by the American people,” he told the energized CPAC crowd gathered in the Maryland suburbs of Washington.
From Humble Beginnings to National Leadership
Reflecting on his humble beginnings in Texas and his first job at a barbecue joint in Dallas, Turner emphasized the value of hard work and faith in overcoming life’s challenges.
“You know, like many of you in this room, I have faced difficulty in my life. I’ve had to rely on God’s grace to overcome obstacles that the enemy tried to use to stop me from carrying out the Lord’s calling on my life,” the businessman and motivational speaker said.
Turner also recounted his days in the NFL, where he was viewed as an underdog after being picked in the final round of the draft — a testament to his belief that no circumstance should limit anyone’s potential.
“I want to encourage everyone in this room and those that are watching online to never let your circumstance define your ability or your opportunity to succeed,” he said, delivering a message of hope and resilience.
He took a moment to thank Dr. Ben Carson, his predecessor and a key figure in President Trump’s first administration, who mentored Turner during his time as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council.
“We must not have a defeatist attitude, but instead we will have a victorious attitude,” he declared. “We will not be victims, but instead, we will be victorious.”
A part-time Baptist preacher, Turner concluded his speech by giving thanks to God for the opportunity to serve the American people and made clear where his ultimate hope lies.
“Hope in America does not depend on a man. Our hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ,” he proclaimed, drawing loud cheers from the audience.
As he wrapped up his speech, Turner left the crowd with a hopeful vision for the future: “The best days are yet to come.”
Are you confident in Scott Turner’s ability as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development? Let us know down in the comments!
