Prestonwood Pastor Joins Trump’s Inner Circle
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Scott Turner, an associate pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Texas, to serve as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in his upcoming administration. The announcement highlights Turner’s extensive experience in public service, ministry, and leadership roles.
Turner previously held the position of executive director for the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term, overseeing initiatives aimed at uplifting distressed communities. Trump praised Turner’s contributions to securing over $50 billion in private investments for Opportunity Zones, working closely with former HUD Secretary Ben Carson to implement more than 200 policy actions across 16 federal agencies. His leadership in these efforts was described as transformative for economic development in underserved areas.
A former NFL player for teams such as the Washington Redskins and San Diego Chargers, Turner also served as a Texas state legislator from 2013 to 2017. He is actively involved in faith-based initiatives and serves on the board of the American Cornerstone Institute, founded by Ben Carson to promote values such as faith, liberty, and community. Prestonwood’s Senior Pastor Jack Graham called Turner’s nomination a “glorious choice,” praising him as a leader of integrity and faith. Carson also expressed confidence in Turner’s ability to excel in the role, describing him as a natural leader and man of vision.
Turner’s commitment to community development is evident in his work with the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council (CEOC), which he founded in 2021. CEOC operates programs such as Christ-centered reading labs for young students and mentorship initiatives for student-athletes, focusing on life skills, financial literacy, and professional development. Turner also contributes to international efforts through the Master Cares Foundation, which provides aid in Uganda, including educational, vocational, and healthcare initiatives.
The Senate will now vote on Turner’s nomination, with Republicans holding a slim majority in the upcoming Congress. With 53 Republican senators in the next session, Turner is expected to have enough support for confirmation, with potential bipartisan backing further strengthening his prospects.