In a bold move to address the escalating U.S. housing affordability crisis, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that President Trump is contemplating declaring a "national housing emergency" this fall. Speaking to the Washington Examiner , Bessent emphasized the administration's focus on tackling soaring home prices and limited inventory, a critical issue as the 2026 midterms approach. Potential actions include standardizing local building and zoning codes, reducing closing costs, and exploring tariff exemptions for construction materials to boost housing supply.
Shares of Opendoor Technologies Inc. surged more than 188% over a week, reflecting investor interest despite recent struggles due to rising interest rates and a slowing housing market.