Trump’s Promise of Federal Recognition for the Lumbee Tribe Faces Challenges

During his campaign in North Carolina, President-elect Donald Trump promised federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe, a state-recognized group with 55,000 members whose support played a key role in his victory in the swing state.

The pledge, which would grant the tribe access to federal funds and resources, now faces significant scrutiny as Trump prepares to take office in January.

The Lumbee Tribe has long sought federal recognition, traditionally achieved through an application process with the Department of the Interior.

However, the tribe has pursued a legislative route, bypassing what its leaders describe as a “flawed” and overly lengthy process. Chairman John Lowery has called on Congress to rectify what he sees as a historic injustice, stating, “It’s crazy that we’re still fighting this battle.”

Despite Trump’s promise, there are signs that his administration may require the Lumbee Tribe to apply through the Department of the Interior rather than bypassing the process via congressional legislation.

 Some tribal nations and lawmakers argue that the formal application process ensures fairness. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the only federally recognized tribe in North Carolina, has been particularly vocal in opposing the Lumbee’s bid for recognition, questioning the validity of their historical claims.

For decades, Cherokee tribes, including the Eastern Band, the Cherokee Nation, and the United Keetoowah Band, have rejected the Lumbee's efforts to gain federal acknowledgment.

Federal recognition is highly significant for tribal nations. It provides access to health care through Indian Health Services, the ability to create reservations through land-trust processes, and other vital resources.

 However, the Lumbee Tribe’s recognition efforts have been complicated by historical setbacks. In 1987, they were denied the ability to apply for federal recognition based on a 1956 congressional act that acknowledged the tribe but stopped short of granting full recognition.

Although the Department of the Interior reversed that decision in 2016, allowing the Lumbee to apply, the tribe has continued to push for recognition through Congress.

The Lumbee’s approach has ignited debates within Indian Country and Congress about Indigenous identity and tribal nationhood.

While the Lumbee have gained bipartisan support, including backing from North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis and Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, they face deep-rooted opposition. Tillis, a staunch ally of the Lumbee, has introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act and used his political leverage to push for their recognition. However, his tactics have drawn criticism from other tribal leaders.

Principal Chief Michell Hicks of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has accused Tillis of blocking unrelated legislation, such as a land transfer bill for the Eastern Band, to pressure other tribal nations into supporting Lumbee recognition.

Hicks and other Cherokee leaders argue that the Lumbee’s historical claims lack credibility, citing the tribe’s previous identification as the Cherokee Indians of Robeson County.

Tillis has also faced backlash for holding up legislation to preserve the site of the Wounded Knee Massacre, a measure backed by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

While acknowledging the importance of preserving the site, Tillis criticized the tribes’ leaders for not supporting his efforts to recognize the Lumbee, accusing them of aligning with a “casino cartel” to block his bill.

Despite these controversies, Lowery has denied that Tillis’s actions were directed by the Lumbee Tribe.

He stated that Tillis’s opposition to other tribes’ bills stems from their lack of support for the Lumbee Fairness Act. “If you can’t be supportive of my bill, I can’t be supportive of your bill,” Lowery said, summarizing Tillis’s stance.

As Trump’s promise to the Lumbee comes under increasing scrutiny, the debate reflects broader tensions about tribal recognition and political power.

The outcome will not only determine the future of the Lumbee Tribe but could also reshape the dynamics of federal recognition for tribal nations across the United States.