The Washington, D.C. circuit has been turned upside down. Donald Trump is rewriting the rules.
That’s why a top Democrat just betrayed his own party to form an alliance with President Trump.
Democrats Should Follow Gallego’s Lead: Working with Trump on Housing Could Be a Win
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego has thrown his support behind the Trump administration’s plan to tackle the nation’s housing crisis by leveraging federal lands. This initiative, spearheaded by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, has the potential to reshape how America addresses its housing shortage, particularly in states like Arizona, where 38% of the land is federally owned. Gallego’s endorsement offers a rare glimpse of bipartisan pragmatism—one Democrats would be wise to emulate if they want to stay relevant in a Trump-led era.
Gallego, a key figure on the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, penned a letter to Turner and Burgum, commending their Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing. The task force aims to identify underutilized federal properties that can be repurposed for housing development, a practical approach to a crisis that’s left countless Americans struggling to afford homes. “I applaud the formation of such a Task Force to utilize federal land as a partial solution to addressing the nation’s housing supply crisis,” Gallego wrote, signaling his approval while urging a thoughtful approach that balances development with environmental and community concerns.
The senator’s support isn’t just lip service—he’s actively engaging with the administration to ensure the plan succeeds. Gallego’s letter poses critical questions about the task force’s transparency, its methods for cataloging federal land, and how it will coordinate with agencies like the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. He’s also keen to protect tribal sovereignty and ensure private developers don’t exploit the initiative for profit at the expense of local needs. This proactive stance shows Gallego isn’t just cheering from the sidelines; he’s ready to roll up his sleeves and work with the Trump team to get results.
Why does this matter? Because the housing crisis isn’t a partisan issue—it’s a national one. With home prices soaring and inventory dwindling, the Trump administration’s willingness to tap into federal land reserves is a common-sense move that Democrats risk opposing at their own peril. Dan Kish, a former staffer on the House Natural Resources Committee, explained the untapped potential to the reporters:
“The truth of the matter is the federal government holds a lot of relatively valuable parcels that most people don’t even know about that are close to metro areas that they’ve got by default or neglect or don’t even necessarily know that they own.” These aren’t pristine wilderness areas but forgotten lots that could transform communities if developed wisely.
Gallego’s approach stands in stark contrast to the knee-jerk resistance some Democrats have shown toward Trump’s policies. Instead of dismissing the task force outright, he’s asking for details and offering collaboration. “I definitely want to work on it,” Gallego told Semafor, while cautioning against misuse of the plan: “What I don’t want to see is us selling plots of land in some of the most beautiful national forests and parks just so some rich guy can get a 50-acre ranch.” His concerns are valid, but they’re framed as constructive feedback, not deal-breakers—a model for how Democrats could engage with Trump’s agenda without sacrificing their principles.
🚨CNN admits Trump is more popular than ever—and the highest percentage of Americans since 2004 now say the country is on the right track.pic.twitter.com/biNrBMm1YM
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) March 25, 2025
The Trump administration, for its part, seems ready to address such concerns. In a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Turner and Burgum outlined their vision, emphasizing that the task force will “carefully consider” environmental impacts and support the infrastructure needed for sustainable housing communities. “Interior will identify locations that can support homes while carefully considering environmental impact and land-use restrictions,” they wrote, promising a process that prioritizes affordability and practicality. This commitment should reassure skeptics that the administration isn’t planning to bulldoze national parks, despite the predictable alarmism from some quarters.
Kish anticipated this criticism back in March, telling reporters: “There’s gonna be people who scream bloody murder and say they’re selling off the national parks, but that’s hyperbole.” He’s right. The task force isn’t about carving up Yellowstone for luxury estates; it’s about finding parcels near urban centers that can serve the public good. Democrats who paint this as an environmental catastrophe risk alienating voters who see housing affordability as a top priority. Gallego’s measured approach—supporting the idea while demanding accountability—strikes a balance that could resonate with constituents across the political spectrum.
For Democrats, the lesson is clear: stonewalling Trump’s initiatives out of habit is a losing strategy. The housing crisis demands solutions, and voters are watching to see who delivers. Gallego’s willingness to engage with the administration shows that cooperation doesn’t mean capitulation—it means shaping policies to align with shared goals. If more Democrats followed his lead, they could claim credit for tangible progress on issues like housing, rather than being sidelined as the party of “no.”
The Trump administration’s housing plan is still in its early stages, and its success will depend on collaboration with lawmakers like Gallego. By asking tough questions and offering to work together, he’s positioning himself—and potentially his party—as partners in solving a pressing national problem. Democrats who dismiss this opportunity risk being left behind, ceding ground to an administration that’s showing it’s ready to act.
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