Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner was filmed appearing to swipe at Representative Anna Paulina Luna's rear as she passed him at a Republican midterm convention in Texas. The clip, captured by C-SPAN, shows Luna continuing to the microphone without a visible reaction. The Independent has reached out to both Luna and HUD for comment, and the video prompted widespread reaction on social media. Turner, confirmed as HUD secretary in February, is a former Texas lawmaker and NFL player.
HUD Secretary Scott Turner Appears to Swipe at Rep. Anna Paulina Luna at GOP Midterm Convention
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner appeared to swipe at Representative Anna Paulina Luna's rear end at the Republican midterm convention in Texas on Wednesday (C-SPAN)
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner appeared to make a motion toward Representative Anna Paulina Luna's backside as they crossed paths at the Republican Party's midterm convention in Texas on Wednesday.
Video of the moment, captured by C-SPAN, shows Turner leaving the stage and swinging his arm down and backward as Luna walked past him. In the clip, Luna does not visibly react and proceeds to the microphone to deliver her remarks.
Video, Reactions and Requests for Comment
The Independent has contacted Rep. Luna and the Department of Housing and Urban Development for comment; neither has issued a public response to the footage as of this report. The moment circulated widely on social media, prompting commentary from political analysts and users on X (formerly Twitter).
Political analyst Rachel Bitecofer wrote on X: "Sec. of HUD Scott Turner appears to attempt to slap the behind of Rep. Anna Paulina Luna when exiting the stage."
A pro‑Trump X account, Johnny Maga, described the near-miss as "the absolute save of the century," while other users speculated about who might have intervened or noticed the gesture.
Some posts mislabeled or misattributed the motion online, with at least one user jokingly asking whether Senator Tim Scott had been involved. The footage itself does not identify any physical contact or an explicit intent to strike; it shows an apparent swipe that did not result in visible reaction from Luna.
Background on Scott Turner
Turner was confirmed as HUD Secretary in February. He previously served as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council and held office in the Texas State Legislature. Turner is also a former professional athlete who spent nine seasons in the NFL.
Other notable moments at the convention included a surprise video message from Democratic Senator John Fetterman and an animated speech by Senator Tim Scott that drew mockery online.
We will update this article if either office provides a statement or additional footage emerges that clarifies the interaction.
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