U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner—former NFL player, Texas legislator, and longtime advocate for underserved communities—joined Joe Pags for a powerful conversation on ending homelessness, revitalizing communities, and cleaning up federal waste. Appointed to HUD under President Trump, Turner brings a unique, no-nonsense approach to housing policy grounded in experience, faith, and service.
Turner highlighted the renewed focus on “Opportunity Zones,” a Trump-era initiative aimed at boosting economic investment in struggling neighborhoods. “We are very excited to continue the Opportunity Zone,” he said, calling the program “so impactful” in helping lower-income Americans “literally change the trajectory of their families.” It’s not just about economic development, he emphasized, but “community development”—creating an ecosystem where businesses thrive and families rebuild.
While California has spent over $20 billion attempting to solve homelessness, Turner pointed out the stark contrast in approach. He recently hosted a forum in Dallas to hear directly from the people most affected. “We need to work at a rapid pace,” he said, noting that “homelessness in our country went up 18% just last year.” Turner stressed that the federal government can help, but it’s not the solution. “The answer is the community,” he said, calling for localized, grassroots programs that address individual needs.
Asked about the specific rise in homelessness in Dallas, Turner said, “Dallas is a beautiful place,” but the crisis requires a “paradigm shift.” He called for a holistic approach to homelessness, one that looks at each citizen’s root causes—whether mental health, addiction, or job loss—and addresses them with long-term support. “We have to educate people. We have to not only house them—we have to make sure they are well,” he explained, advocating for education and workforce development alongside housing.
On the issue of waste and fraud, Turner confirmed that DOGE—the Department of Government Efficiency—is now part of HUD. The agency, originally exposed by former HUD Secretary Ben Carson, is tasked with finding “mismanaged” funds. “This money is for the American people,” Turner said firmly.
Turner’s leadership is driven by a belief in human potential. “Every human being has a God-given potential,” he told Pags, sharing how his own journey from the NFL to public service has shaped his mission. He’s also exploring ways to utilize federal lands to support transitional housing programs—another tool to get people off the streets and into self-sufficiency.
As attacks on leaders like Elon Musk and President Trump intensify, Turner didn’t mince words: “The attacks… have to come to an end.” His focus remains on outcomes—not politics, adding that it’s “wrong that people are attacking Tesla,” and even more wrong to waste money while Americans suffer. With a results-driven mindset, HUD under Secretary Turner is showing what’s possible when local partnerships, personal accountability, and federal oversight come together to serve the American people.
Don’t miss the full interview with Secretary Turner—only on The Joe Pags Show—for the unfiltered truth on HUD, homelessness, and the fight to fix what’s broken.