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“It’s not acceptable to the President, according to his executive order to get rid of all DEI. We’re working with the city of Asheville. They have been very responsive to make sure that their upcoming draft action plan is in compliance with HUD and how we give funds out according to HUD’s principles.”
Turner also stated, “We’re happy to be here. They’re working with us, and we’re looking forward to helping the people of Asheville recover from this disaster.”
WATCH:
Asheville’s relief proposal specifically outlined a plan to prioritize aid to Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBE) through its Small Business Support Program. The draft explicitly stated, “Within the Small Business Support Program, the City will prioritize assistance for Minority and Women Owned Businesses (MWBE) within the scoring criteria outlined within the policies and procedures.”
That didn’t sit well with HUD, which insists on fairness in funding distribution. Turner reinforced that the department will not support any plan that uses identity politics to determine who gets assistance.
“HUD looks forward to helping thousands of North Carolinians rebuild after Hurricane Helene by directing funding assistance to impacted businesses, non-profit organizations, and neighborhoods. However, Asheville’s draft action plan incorporated DEI criteria to prioritize some impacted residents over others, which was unacceptable. After HUD informed Asheville that its plan was unsatisfactory and it would not be approved, the city assured us that it was updating its draft action plan to be compliant,” Secretary Turner explained.
Turner was unwavering in his message: DEI has no place in the department’s decision-making. “Once again, let me be clear, DEI is dead at HUD. We will not provide funding to any program or grantee that does not comply with President Trump’s executive orders,” he declared.
This rejection marks a turning point in how federal disaster aid is distributed. Under President Trump’s leadership, the focus is on eliminating discriminatory DEI mandates and ensuring funds go to those truly in need, not those chosen based on race or gender.
Just Released: Trump White House Collector’s Bobblehead!
According to the official press release, “President Trump’s Day One Executive Order to end radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing eliminated discriminatory government-funded DEI practices. President Trump put an end to manipulated standards in the name of discriminatory ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ (DEI) initiatives.”
The Trump administration has made it clear: America’s recovery efforts will not be hijacked by radical ideology. Turner’s firm stance sends a strong message that disaster relief must be based on need, not political agendas. For many, this decision is a refreshing return to common sense government that prioritizes the American people over divisive policies.
As Asheville scrambles to revise its action plan, one thing is certain—HUD isn’t budging. Disaster relief is for those in need, not those who fit into a DEI checkbox.
