North Carolina – When Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigned in North Carolina, they both courted the state-recognized Lumbee Tribe, whose 55,000 members could have helped tip the battleground state. Trump promised federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe if elected, a promise that may now be put to the test as he prepares to return to the White House in January. The Lumbee, like many tribal nations, are closely watching to see what Trump’s next move will be, especially since they have been trying for many years to gain federal recognition by bypassing the Department of the Interior’s application process and going through Congress instead.
Despite support from members of both parties, the Lumbee face opposition from other tribal nations, including the only federally recognized tribe in North Carolina, who believe the Lumbee should follow the formal process through the Interior Department. This debate has stoked tension in Indian Country and Congress about Indigenous identity and tribal nationhood.
The Lumbee’s most ardent ally in Congress is North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act and has been a vocal supporter of the tribe. However, Tillis has threatened to block certain bills in Congress unless other tribal nations support the Lumbee’s recognition. This includes legislation to transfer land back to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which Tillis has held up in response to the Eastern Band’s lack of support for the Lumbee.
While the Lumbee continue to push for federal recognition through legislation, they face resistance and obstacles from other tribal nations and political figures like Tillis. The aftermath of the presidential election and Trump’s return to the White House will determine the fate of the Lumbee Tribe’s quest for federal acknowledgment and access to vital resources.
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