President Trump’s HUD Secretary Scott Turner appeared on Thursday before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development to present his FY2027 budget. During his testimony, Turner repeatedly complained about the Biden administration, saying it had left his agency in challenging circumstances. Sixteen months into the second Trump administration, continuing to point at Biden for current circumstances didn’t sit well with some Democratic lawmakers.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member on the committee, reprimanded Turner: “I just don’t want to hear about what you don’t like about the Biden administration. You’re in charge, you have a vision, let’s see it, let’s see the results!” That did not stop Turner from referring to Biden, which prompted Gillibrand to yell, “Stop talking about Biden. Talk about your record!” (See video of the exchange below.)
.@SenGillibrand: I just don’t want to hear what you don’t like about Biden. You’re in charge, you have a vision, let’s see the results!
Trump’s HUD Secretary: During Biden, you had 4 years–
Gillibrand: Stop talking about Biden. Talk about your record.
Trump’s HUD Secretary:… pic.twitter.com/Hinokpx8Sf
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) May 14, 2026
Gillibrand told Turner his testimony was “inaccurate, unhelpful, and doesn’t let this committee do our job.” Asking about HUD’s annual Homelessness Assessment Report, which Turner’s team has not yet released, Turner blamed the government shutdown and “constant litigation.” Gillibrand said, “Mr. Secretary, I think you’re obfuscating” and asked, “in what way does litigation slow down your report?”
[NOTE: CalMatters calls the HUD report “significantly delayed.” The 2024 report — the last from the Biden administration — was announced December 27, 2024.]
Turner didn’t answer Gillibrand’s question, but repeated that the government shutdown slowed his agency’s ability to produce the report and again referenced the Biden administration, saying, “During the Biden administration…” In response, Gillibrand raised her voice and said, “Oh my god…it’s like two children saying ‘I didn’t do it, my brother did it.’ Stop with the excuses. Just explain your record.”
Turner replied, “We have to do something different.”