President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on Thursday afternoon directing the Secretary of the Interior to submit a plan within 90 days to assist the Lumbee Tribe in obtaining full federal recognition.
Granting full federal recognition to the tribe based in Robeson County would provide them access to federal services and benefits. This includes healthcare through the Indian Health Service and eligibility for federal funding programs supporting housing, education, and economic development.
During a rally in Wilmington in September of last year Trump promised full federal recognition, saying “Today, I’m officially announcing that, if I am elected in November, I will sign legislation granting the great Lumbee Tribe federal recognition that it deserves.”
Earlier this year Rep. David Rouzer, NC-07 introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act (H.R.474) in the 119 Congress, granting full federal recognition and benefits to the North Carolina tribe.
The memorandum signed by Trump claims “Considering the Lumbee Tribe’s historical and modern significance, it is the policy of the United States to support the full Federal recognition, including the authority to receive full Federal benefits.”
President Donald J. Trump orders his Department of the Interior to promote federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) January 23, 2025
PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT. pic.twitter.com/t3BvcpaiYt
“I love the Lumbee Tribe…..They were with me all the way, they were great,” said the President during the signing.
NC House Rep. Jarrod Lowery, R-Robeson, a member of the Lumbee Tribe told Carolina Journal, “I’m thankful for President Trump continuing to keep his promise to bring justice to the Lumbee people.”
The Secretary of the Interior is directed to find a path for recognition through an act of the Congress, judicial action, or the Procedures for Federal Acknowledgement of Indian Tribes.
Senator Thom Tillis commented on X saying “Now, Congress must do its job, fulfill its promise, and pass the Lumbee Fairness Act to make this federal recognition law.”
Thank you, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump, for making federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina one step closer!
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) January 23, 2025
Now, Congress must do its job, fulfill its promise, and pass the Lumbee Fairness Act to make this federal recognition law. pic.twitter.com/t5YVVR972U
The US House has repeatedly voted in favor of granting the Lumbee Tribe full federal recognition, most recently late last year. However, the US Senate has yet to approve the measure.
North Carolina granted state recognition to the Lumbee Tribe in 1885. While the tribe gained partial federal recognition in 1956, they have yet to achieve the full federal recognition they have long pursued.