- Details
Trump Falters in Republican Primary by 2 to 1 Margin
PONEMAH, Minn. — By a 2 to 1 margin, Donald Trump was defeated on the Red Lake Reservation in Minnesota’s 2020 Presidential Primary. “Write-In” garnered more votes than the incumbent president.
When adding up all of the votes on the Republican side of the ledger in Tuesday’s election, Trump garnered only a single vote throughout the 4 precincts on the reservation. “Write-in” earned the support of two voters. Hence, the sitting president lost his own party’s primary by a 2-1 margin.
On the Democrat side of the contest, 434 votes were cast, 432 for various candidates and 2 for “uncommitted.” Political strategist Michael Meuers, who has followed state and federal elections on the Red Lake Reservation for over 30 years stated, “Unlike the Republicans in the Senate or House, the Republican voters on the reservation were willing to stand up against the president.”
“On a reservation where only one voter in 10 or 12 will ever vote Republican, the reservation Republicans already have shown they have some backbone to buck the trend, and in a small way, Tuesday’s results where Republicans on the reservation thumbed their noses at Trump may indeed be an early harbinger of Trump's future," Meuers hoped.
Bernie Sanders won 301 votes-71.43 percent-of the 434 votes cast on the Democratic side.

More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Federal Court Dismisses Challenge to NY Indigenous Mascot Ban
Sen. Angus King Warns of ‘Whitewashing’ History in National Parks Under Trump Administration
Final Call for Donations as CRYP’s 2025 Toy Drive Nears the Finish Line
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher