Native coalition challenges Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on budget cuts to Indian Country

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.