Trump Official Declares Welfare Has Become 'a Lifestyle' in the US, Pushes for 'Able-Bodied Adults' to Work

Housing Secretary Scott Turner sparked controversy this week by declaring that welfare has become "a lifestyle" in the U.S., urging that "able-bodied adults" receiving government assistance should be required to work.

America's welfare system was originally designed to support the most vulnerable — including low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. However, over the past decade, expansions in Medicaid and housing assistance have increased the number of working-age adults without dependents receiving benefits, raising concerns among conservatives about long-term dependency.

In a Fox Business appearance this week, Turner was asked about a recent New York Times article co-written by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Brooke Rollins, Mehmet Oz, and himself. The piece discusses welfare stances within the Trump administration in regards to enforcing "able-bodied adults" receiving welfare to work.

Turner argued that federal housing recipients who are able to work should do so, stating, "We've created welfare as a lifestyle in our country," and emphasizing the need to restore "dignity" through employment.

His comments align with a broader push from Republicans to expand work requirements across programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Supporters argue that encouraging work fosters independence, while critics say such policies can harm low-income individuals already struggling to find stable employment.

Meanwhile, Trump leadership is advancing proposals that would require able-bodied recipients to work, volunteer, or attend job training at least 20 hours per week to continue receiving benefits.

Exceptions would apply for caregiving and health conditions.