The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a report showing that foreign-born migrants accounted for two-thirds of the rise in rental demand nationwide. States like California and New York saw migrant-driven rental demand double, the report said. This surge has raised housing costs, pressuring American families, especially in big cities. President Donald Trump commented on the issue, saying, “Eleven months ago, I inherited a mess. And I’m fixing it.” Some migrants have accessed HUD housing help, leading to concerns about taxpayer money going to those not eligible. To tackle this, the Trump administration stopped Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured mortgages for ineligible residents and set up a hotline to report illegal occupants in HUD housing. Beyond immigration, the administration scrapped the Biden-era Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, which had added burdens on suburbs, aiming to encourage homeownership more freely. Republican National Committee spokesperson Kiersten Pels criticized opponents by saying, “While working families were being ripped off by a massive welfare scam, Omar’s campaign took money from convicted fraudsters, her husband launched a firm that suddenly ballooned in value, and [Minnesota Gov.] Tim Walz looked the other way.” The administration also highlighted Opportunity Zones to promote economic growth and homeownership. Trump stated these zones helped lift over one million Americans out of poverty, with expected investments of more than $100 billion, creating over one million jobs and building hundreds of thousands of new homes. HUD continues to support disaster recovery, faith-based organizations, and has delivered $12 billion in funds to communities affected by storms and floods. Officials emphasize that efforts must help Americans gain self-sufficiency and own homes rather than being swayed by “radical political ideology.” HUD has canceled wasteful contracts and improved safety in shelters for vulnerable women as part of these reforms.