Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner did not hold back during his interview on Fox Business with Maria Bartiromo. He directly criticized the Biden administration for its immigration policies, linking them to a shortage of HUD-funded housing for American citizens. Turner asserted, “During the Biden administration, his immigration policies were literally non-existent. I mean, it really was a joke.” This sharp statement highlights the contrast that Turner draws between the current administration and the previous one under President Trump.
Turner specifically pointed to the vast number of illegal crossings at the southern border as a major factor contributing to rising housing costs. He stated that the influx of “tens of millions of people” crossing the border unchecked had put a strain on the housing supply, ultimately disadvantaging American citizens in need of assistance. His remarks underline a broader concern about the impact of immigration on local resources.
The Secretary revealed part of the solution proposed by the Trump administration—a new rule that aims to prioritize American citizens for HUD housing. Turner explained that this proposed rule requires applicants for HUD assistance to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. He emphasized the need to focus on “American people that need a temporary hand up,” arguing that illegal immigrants should not take up housing meant for citizens.
Turner’s final goal is to ensure that taxpayer-funded housing is reserved strictly for those who are legally eligible. He noted, “We have zero tolerance for pushing aside hardworking U.S. citizens while enabling others to exploit decades-old loopholes.” This statement serves as a commitment to enforcing stricter eligibility measures for HUD assistance, reflecting a shift aimed at prioritizing American citizens over illegal residents.
Additionally, the HUD statement tied to the proposed rule reveals that the initiative is a response to findings from an audit that identified nearly 200,000 tenants with unknown eligibility verification. The aim is to tackle this issue head-on by closing loopholes and ensuring that HUD resources are used effectively to serve those who genuinely qualify.
Overall, Turner’s remarks and the proposed rule represent a strong stance by the Trump administration on immigration and housing policies. The focus is squarely on safeguarding the interests of American citizens, emphasizing a commitment to fairness and accountability in the distribution of taxpayer resources.
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