Mac mini M2 HDMI port not working

I can only drive my display with an HDMI cable If i connect a USB-C hub to the mac mini USB-C port and drive the display from the HDMI on the hub. So

mini >> USBC >> HUB>>HDMI>>Display works. I've done this with 2 cables, 1 old, and 1 brand new that supports 8K video. My monitor is a 2K device with a max refresh rate of 75Hz

If I go Mini>>HDMI>>Display it doesn't work

If I use HDMI directly and hold down the power button for ten seconds I do see the display flash briefly and show the setup screen.

Right now I'm burning a USB C port for the display where HDMI would work just fine

[Re-Titled by Moderator]