HUD Secretary Discusses Efforts to Tackle Rising Home Prices

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner recently shared insights regarding the Trump administration’s approach to managing escalating home prices, which he claims are linked to President Joe Biden’s open border policies.

In an exclusive conversation with Fox News Digital at the Great American State Fair, Turner emphasized that the Trump administration is committed to enhancing housing affordability—a pressing issue—as well as addressing the rising home prices and rents associated with a significant influx of undocumented immigrants during the previous administration.

Republicans assert that their strategy involves reducing home prices and rents through regulatory cuts, increasing housing supply, and tightening measures against illegal immigration.

According to a recent study from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the increase in illegal immigration has correlated with rising rents and home prices. The research suggests that a 1% rise in undocumented immigrant workers corresponds to a 2.2% increase in housing prices and a 1.4% rise in rents.

Turner believes that curbing illegal immigration is crucial for lessening housing demand, alongside loosening regulations, expanding mortgage lending, and removing obstacles to new construction.

He pointed out that the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration is a vital component of efforts aimed at easing financial burdens for American households amidst an ongoing price crisis.

“In America, we prioritize Americans—American homes are for Americans,” Turner asserted.

When asked about the timeline for any decrease in housing costs, he noted that the administration is already making strides to improve affordability.

Turner expressed concern over a misunderstanding that housing affordability is not a priority, insisting, “It is a top priority.”

Pointing to two executive orders from President Trump aimed at fostering collaboration, he mentioned efforts to eliminate regulatory hurdles that hinder affordable housing construction and to enhance access to mortgage credit.

The HUD secretary added that the administration is actively working to reverse regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles set by the Biden administration, which he believes needlessly increase construction costs and hinder new housing projects.

“We’re focused on easing the regulatory environment, lowering costs, and increasing supply for builders. This is essential for making home ownership more affordable for American families,” he explained.