Murkowski urges Senate to protect tribes from Trump’s DEI orders

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) is calling on lawmakers to shield Indigenous tribes from potential funding cuts under President Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. She warns that confusion over these policies could disrupt federal funding for critical tribal services, including healthcare, education, and economic development. Murkowski met with Trump’s budget director, urging him to reaffirm the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations to tribes. The National Congress of American Indians has also raised concerns over funding freezes and their impact on tribal sovereignty.