Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Key Allegations & Investigations
There are several major contention points surrounding Turner’s tenure.
a. Fair housing enforcement roll-backs & whistleblower claims
Attorneys at HUD’s Office of Fair Housing (OFH) claim there have been systematic efforts under Turner’s leadership to weaken enforcement of the Fair Housing Act and civil rights protections. The Guardian+2The Guardian+2
The whistleblower claims include: large staff reductions at OFH, reassignment or removal of staff focused on enforcement, inhibited communication (e.g., “gag orders”) for attorneys, and dropping or altering of cases. The Guardian+1
For example, from a Senate press release: “HUD leadership allegedly informed existing OFH staff that ‘fair housing was “not a priority” of the administration…’” U.S. Senate Committee on Banking
b. Website messaging / Hatch Act concerns
HUD under Turner posted a banner on its official site blaming the “radical left” for a government shutdown; advocacy group Public Citizen filed a complaint alleging a violation of the Hatch Act (which forbids certain political uses of federal office). HousingWire
c. Policy reversals impacting vulnerable populations
Turner announced HUD would halt enforcement of the 2016 “Equal Access” rule, which required HUD-funded programs to provide access regardless of gender identity. National Low Income Housing Coalition
His prior record as a legislator also drew criticism: e.g., he voted against certain protections for poor tenants and affordable housing expansions. ProPublica