Trump Moves to Grant Federal Recognition to Lumbee Tribe
President Donald Trump has taken a significant step toward granting federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a move that could end a 136-year struggle for the tribe. On January 23, 2025, Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of the Interior to develop a plan within 90 days to assist the Lumbee Tribe in achieving full federal recognition through legislation, judicial action, or administrative processes.
The Lumbee Tribe, with over 55,000 members primarily located in Robeson County, North Carolina, has been recognized by the state since 1885. However, federal recognition has remained elusive, denying the tribe access to critical benefits such as funding for housing, education, and healthcare. The 1956 Lumbee Act acknowledged the tribe but excluded them from federal benefits, a decision that has been a point of contention for decades.
Trump’s executive order emphasizes the historical and modern significance of the Lumbee Tribe and calls for a review of all applicable authorities to determine the best path forward. The order also requires the Interior Department to consult with Lumbee leadership and submit a comprehensive plan to the president.
The Lumbee Tribe has long sought federal recognition through Congress, with the Lumbee Fairness Act passing the House multiple times but stalling in the Senate. The most recent attempt in December 2024 saw the bill pass the House with bipartisan support but failed to reach the Senate floor before the legislative session ended.
Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery expressed gratitude for Trump’s action, calling it a “great step” and urging Congress to codify the policy. However, the move has faced opposition from other tribes, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, which argues that federal recognition should be based on rigorous historical and genealogical evidence rather than political processes.
The Lumbee Tribe’s push for recognition has been a key issue in North Carolina politics, with Trump securing strong support from the tribe during his 2024 campaign. The tribe’s federal recognition could have significant implications for its members, providing access to resources and services that have been long denied.
As the Interior Department works on its plan, the Lumbee Tribe and its supporters remain hopeful that this executive order will finally bring an end to their decades-long quest for full federal recognition.
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