Native coalition challenges Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on budget cuts to Indian Country
April 23, 2025
A coalition of top Native advocacy organizations has sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum urging him to oppose President Trump’s proposed FY 2026 budget. The budget would slash $1.2 billion from Indian Affairs, including $100 million from the Office of Justice Services. “Federal savings should not come at the expense of Tribal Nations,” the letter states. The coalition cites chronic underfunding, with only 13% of public safety needs currently met.
We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.