In response to President Donald Trump’s revocation of Executive Order 14112—originally signed by President Joe Biden to promote tribal self-determination for the 574 federally recognized tribes by improving access to federal funding and enhancing autonomy over its use—Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández D-NM-03) led a bicameral coalition of 52 Members of Congress on Wednesday in a letter urging the president to reinstate the order.
President Trump revoked the executive order named “Reforming Federal Funding and Support for Tribal Nations to Better Embrace Our Trust Responsibilities and Promote the Next Era of Tribal Self-Determination” on Friday, March 14.
The president’s revocation of the Executive Order reversed a key policy aimed at empowering Tribal Nations by enhancing their access to federal funding and eliminating bureaucratic obstacles. Originally signed by President Biden at the White House Tribal Nations Summit on December 6, 2023, the order sought to limit government interference in Tribal funding and ensure federal agencies upheld their legal obligations to tribes.
The order had tangible benefits, such as improving federal support for tribal emergency response efforts and funding critical infrastructure projects, including fisheries management and broadband expansion. It also established the Tribal Access to Capital Clearinghouse, a centralized resource to help Native businesses navigate federal funding opportunities. Its repeal now creates uncertainty for Tribal Nations, potentially reinstating restrictive barriers to funding and destabilizing federally supported tribal programs.
The letter also demands an explanation of why the order was rescinded. The lawmakers stressed that “Tribal Nations have a legal, government-to-government relationship with the United States” and that their inherent sovereignty is recognized in the U.S. Constitution, treaties, and federal law. They also emphasized that Tribal Nations should not be included in any efforts to target diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, stating, “Tribal Nations have legal status as a political, not racial class, and the United States has a trust responsibility to them.”
President Joe Biden signs executive order at the White House Tribal Nations Summit on December 7, 2023. (Photo/Levi Rickert for Native News Online)
The letter pointed to key provisions of the rescinded executive order that aligned with the administration’s stated goals, including increasing “accessibility, flexibility, and utility of Federal funding and programs for Tribal Nations, while increasing the transparency, and efficiency of Federal funding processes,” said the Members. The lawmakers warned that removing these provisions will exacerbate challenges that already hinder Tribal Nations’ ability to meet their communities’ needs.
“Too often, federal funding processes impose unnecessary barriers for Tribal Nations, including restrictive limitations and burdensome reporting requirements,” they wrote. “Without the coordination and efficiency processes established under the Tribal Self-Determination EO, these challenges will only grow, creating uncertainty and instability that directly undermines tribal self-determination.”
The lawmakers called on the administration to immediately reinstate Executive Order 14112 and engage in meaningful consultation with Tribal Nations moving forward.
“We urge you to restore [the Biden-era executive order] and work directly with Tribal Nations, Congress, and your federal agencies to ensure Tribal Nations are able to exercise their sovereignty and more efficiently access federal support,” the letter concluded.
The full text of the letter can be found HERE.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (June 29, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Oak Ridge Fire on Navajo Nation Tops 200 Acres, Triggers Emergency Evacuations
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
