Trump’s Promise to Lumbee Tribe Tests Congressional Alliances

Trump’s Promise to Lumbee Tribe Tests Congressional Alliances \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is reigniting its push for federal recognition, a promise made by Donald Trump during his campaign. As Trump prepares for his second term, the question of whether he will deliver remains. Senator Thom Tillis, a staunch Lumbee ally, has become a polarizing figure by stalling other tribal legislation to advance the Lumbee’s cause. This ongoing battle underscores deep divisions within Congress and Indian Country over tribal sovereignty and identity.

The Lumbee Recognition Debate: Quick Looks

• Trump’s Campaign Promise: Donald Trump vowed to grant federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe, a critical issue for its 55,000 members.
• Congressional Route: The Lumbee bypass the Department of the Interior process, pursuing recognition through legislation instead.
• Tillis’s Tactics: Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has aggressively championed the Lumbee, blocking unrelated tribal bills to gain leverage.
• Tribal Opposition: The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and others contest the Lumbee’s historical claims and challenge their legislative strategy.
• Casino Concerns: Some tribes worry Lumbee recognition could lead to increased competition in the gaming industry.
• High Stakes: Federal recognition would grant the Lumbee access to critical health, housing, and land resources, fundamentally changing their status.

Deep Look

The Lumbee’s Push for Federal Recognition

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, one of the largest state-recognized tribes in the U.S., has long sought federal recognition. This status would unlock vital resources such as health care through Indian Health Services, housing assistance, and the ability to create land trusts. Despite its size, the tribe remains unrecognized federally, a distinction that has significant social, economic, and cultural implications.

During the 2020 presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised to sign legislation granting the Lumbee federal recognition. This pledge resonated with the tribe, contributing to strong Lumbee voter support that helped Trump win North Carolina by over three percentage points.

As Trump prepares to return to the White House in January, Lumbee leaders and tribal nations across the country are watching closely to see if he will fulfill his commitment.

Federal Recognition and Its Challenges

For most tribes, federal recognition is granted through a rigorous application process managed by the Department of the Interior’s Office of Federal Acknowledgment. This process requires tribes to meet strict criteria, including demonstrating continuous political and social community since historical times.

The Lumbee were barred from applying for recognition in 1987 due to a 1956 congressional act that acknowledged the tribe but stopped short of granting federal status. In 2016, the Interior reversed this decision, allowing the Lumbee to apply. However, the tribe has chosen instead to pursue recognition through Congress, arguing that the Interior’s process is overly bureaucratic and flawed.

“Congress has the responsibility to fix this historic wrong,” said John Lowery, chairman of the Lumbee Tribe. “It’s crazy that we’re still fighting this battle in 2024.”

Tillis’s Role and the Fallout

Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has emerged as the Lumbee Tribe’s most vocal advocate in Congress. He introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act and has consistently pushed for the tribe’s recognition. However, Tillis’s tactics have drawn sharp criticism.

Multiple tribal leaders and advocates have accused Tillis of leveraging unrelated legislation to force support for Lumbee recognition. One example involves a bill to transfer 70 acres of culturally significant land in Tennessee to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the only federally recognized tribe in North Carolina. Tillis has blocked the measure, allegedly pressuring the Eastern Band to back the Lumbee.

“It’s appalling and disgraceful,” said Michell Hicks, Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Hicks, like other tribal leaders, questions the validity of the Lumbee’s historical claims and refuses to endorse their recognition.

Broader Opposition in Indian Country

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, along with the Cherokee Nation and United Keetoowah Band, have strongly opposed Lumbee recognition. They argue that the Lumbee’s claims to Cherokee ancestry are unfounded and criticize their decision to bypass the Interior’s application process.

The opposition extends to fears of increased competition in the gaming industry. Federal recognition could eventually enable the Lumbee to open casinos, potentially challenging existing tribal operations.

Tillis dismissed these concerns as part of a “casino cartel” conspiracy led by the Eastern Band and their legal counsel, Wilson Pipestem. Pipestem, in turn, has called for an apology, accusing Tillis of using “unscrupulous tactics” and spreading misinformation.

Trump’s Position Remains Unclear

Despite Trump’s 2020 pledge, sources close to the president-elect suggest he may require the Lumbee to pursue recognition through the Interior’s formal process. This potential shift would contradict Trump’s earlier promises and could alienate Lumbee supporters.

Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for Trump, emphasized that no policy decisions are official unless announced directly by the president-elect.

Implications for Tribal Identity and Sovereignty

The Lumbee’s congressional strategy has reignited debates over Indigenous identity and tribal sovereignty. Critics argue that bypassing the Interior process undermines established standards for recognition and could set a dangerous precedent.

Supporters counter that the Interior’s process is outdated and biased, making it an unfair barrier for tribes like the Lumbee. “The system was designed to exclude us,” said Lowery.

The stakes are high. If successful, the Lumbee’s recognition could reshape federal acknowledgment processes and influence other state-recognized tribes seeking similar status.

Looking Ahead

The path forward for the Lumbee Tribe is fraught with political and cultural challenges. As Trump prepares to take office, the tribe’s leaders are pushing for immediate action, while opposition from other tribes and lawmakers intensifies.

Senator Tillis has shown no signs of backing down, vowing to continue blocking legislation for other tribes until the Lumbee gain recognition. Meanwhile, tribal nations across the country are closely monitoring the situation, as its resolution could have far-reaching implications for Indian Country.

The Lumbee’s decades-long battle for federal recognition is not just a fight for resources—it’s a fight for identity, sovereignty, and justice.

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