Scott
Turner
REPUBLICAN
Texas
Appointed Position:
United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Overview
From 2019 to 2021, Turner worked in the first Trump administration as executive director of the White House Opportunity Revitalization Council (WHORC). During this time, he was instrumental in setting up the Opportunity Zone program, which opened the door for rampant corruption benefitting rich individuals and organizations, including some of Turner’s own associates.
The Facts
During his time with the WHORC, Turner attended a private conference hosted by Ziklag, a far-right Christian Nationalist charity, to promote Opportunity Zones. Ziklag operates a network of ultrawealthy Christian donors and, according to a 2024 pitch to donors, aims to “redirect the trajectory of American culture toward Christ by bringing back Biblical structure, order, and truth to our Nation.”
While with the WHORC, Turner traveled to other events across the country to promote the Opportunity Zone program, including meetings with wealthy individuals who wanted to promote their investments in designated Opportunity Zones.
Currently, Turner’s primary job is as the Chief Visionary Officer of the JPI Development Company, where he reportedly receives $651,500 annually in salary and bonuses. However, Turner has continued to receive outside additional income–including from conservative think tanks–through Scott Turner Consulting Group, LLC.
Between 2023 and the start of 2025, the Scott Turner Consulting Group had at least three clients: the National Football League (NFL); Christian financial services firm Guidestone Financial; and the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute (AFPI).
In addition to his consulting with the AFPI, Turner is separately reported as chairman of the institute’s Center for Education Opportunity.
How many organizations was Turner involved with who benefitted from the Opportunity Zone program?
Does Turner seek to expand similar tax break programs? Does Turner have any relationships or investments which would benefit from these expansions?
Questions to Track