Virgin Islands Governor Criticizes HUD Over Aid Suspension

Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Speaks Out

The Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Albert Bryan Jr., has criticized the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) following its decision to suspend procurements linked to the territory’s housing finance authority. The suspension is over concerns regarding fraud and abuse related to almost $2 billion in disaster-recovery funds.

Bryan, a Democrat, expressed that the suspension was unexpected and branded HUD’s letter as unprofessional. He argued that issues concerning disaster-recovery efforts have been sensationalized and accused HUD of overreaching.

“When I go to Washington, I don’t visit HUD or FEMA anymore because we don’t have any problems,” Bryan remarked during a public briefing in Charlotte Amalie.

He suggested that the timing of HUD’s announcement might be politically motivated, given that it coincided with the start of early voting for the territory’s gubernatorial election. Bryan, who is term-limited, queried why the press, specifically Fox News, was the first to report the news.

Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority’s Concerns

An audit referenced in HUD’s suspension notice was noted to have concluded some time ago, yet a separate HUD report highlighted that the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority’s risk management practices were below desired levels as recently as March 2025. Bryan was asked if the territorial government was blindsided by HUD’s letter and subsequent news reports.

“Absolutely,” Bryan replied, noting that the issues had been addressed some years ago, including a $6.2 million cost concern.

Recovery Projects and Costs

Bryan stated he reviewed the letter from Andrew Hughes, a deputy to HUD Secretary Scott Turner, and acknowledged progress on recovery projects, such as one at Magen’s Bay on St. Thomas. He mentioned that the high costs of public housing units, sometimes reaching $1 million each, have posed challenges and required rebidding to align with national standards.

A statement from Bryan emphasized that many concerns in HUD’s letter have been recognized for some time and corrective actions have been undertaken.

Handling the Process

Bryan advocates for a process that safeguards the residents of the Virgin Islands and avoids disrupting housing and disaster-recovery programs. He noted previous actions to address weaknesses within the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA).

The suspension occurs as Secretary Scott Turner plays a significant role in the White House Task Force aimed at eliminating fraud, part of a larger effort to reduce misuse of taxpayer funds.

Fox News Digital sought further comments from Bryan’s office.