In a fiery address at CPAC in Texas, HUD Secretary Scott Turner unveiled sweeping new rules to halt public housing benefits for illegal immigrants, demanding proof of citizenship and closing long-exploited loopholes that have diverted taxpayer funds from American citizens. Under President Trump’s directive, this decisive action ends the era of unchecked access, prioritizing veterans, families, and the vulnerable in a bold stand against fraud and injustice.
Turner opened his speech with a heartfelt prayer, invoking divine guidance for the nation, its leaders, and those gathered, emphasizing unity and faith amid turbulent times. He thanked organizers and welcomed attendees from across the country, urging them to experience Texas’s rich culture, including its famed barbecue, to foster a sense of shared American spirit in these divisive days.
Shifting to the core issue, Turner lambasted the Biden administration for what he called a blatant failure in protecting U.S. citizens, accusing it of rolling out a “red carpet“ for illegal immigrants straight to public housing. This, he argued, desecrated the government’s fundamental duty, allowing mixed-status households to exploit the system and rob resources from deserving Americans facing hardship.
With urgency in his voice, Turner detailed the new HUD proposals as a game-changer, requiring all applicants for federally supported housing to verify their eligibility immediately. This move directly targets the “gravy train“ for illegals, as he put it, ensuring that taxpayer-backed programs serve only those who are legally entitled, from homeless veterans to struggling families.
He didn’t stop there, highlighting additional reforms like blocking illegal immigrants from FHA-insured mortgages, which use public money intended solely for citizens. Turner painted a vivid picture of the human cost: every spot taken by the ineligible means another American—perhaps a veteran on the streets or a couple buried in debt—left in the cold, underscoring the moral imperative of these changes.
Amid this push, Turner addressed the erosion of religious liberty under the previous administration, describing how faith-based groups were sidelined and believers intimidated. As an unapologetic Christian, he stressed that faith is America’s “first freedom,“ foundational to all others, and celebrated Trump’s efforts to restore it through HUD initiatives.
The HUD Center of Faith, he explained, is now actively combating anti-Christian bias and reducing bureaucratic barriers for religious organizations serving the needy. This restoration allows believers to act as “the hands and feet of Christ,“ providing aid without fear of reprisal, marking a return to core American values in a nation hungry for renewal.
Turner’s remarks extended to broader housing successes under Trump, noting a surge in home purchase applications and a drop in rents to multi-year lows. In cities across the country, apartment costs have fallen dramatically, making homeownership more attainable and signaling real progress in affordability for everyday Americans.
He framed these achievements as evidence of “actions, not words,“ the very theme of this year’s CPAC, contrasting it with the empty rhetoric of opponents who boycotted the president’s State of the Union pledge to put citizens first. Turner’s passion amplified the stakes, warning that unchecked policies threaten the American dream itself.
Homeownership, he asserted, forms the backbone of the republic, offering stability, independence, and a legacy for future generations. By revitalizing communities and making homes more accessible, Trump’s administration is building a safer, more prosperous nation, one where families can thrive without the shadow of unfair competition.
As Turner wrapped up, he praised Trump as a leader who delivers on promises despite fierce opposition, steering the country toward a new golden age. With God’s grace, he vowed, these efforts will ensure every American enjoys safer, happier lives, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to action over mere talk.
This breaking development at CPAC underscores a pivotal shift in federal policy, potentially reshaping immigration and housing debates as the nation grapples with border challenges and economic pressures. Turner’s call to arms resonates with a public demanding accountability, highlighting the administration’s resolve to protect its own.