What Trump’s Budget Means for Indian Country

On May 23rd, President Trump released his proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2018. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) budget is projected to be reduced by more than $300 million from the FY 2017 budget. This is the equivalent of 241 full time employees. The BIA provides services to more than 2 million Native Americans and Alaska Natives across the nation, managing 56 million acres of land and 59 million acres of subsurface mineral rights under its trust responsibility to tribes. While the budget includes a modest increase for infrastructure projects, it includes significant funding cuts (totalling $64.4 million) to education programs at all levels. The Indian Guaranteed Loan Program, a tool for business development in Indian Country, is expected to see cuts of around 15% from 2017 levels.

Unsurprisingly, many around Indian Country are voicing their displeasure at the proposed budget and decrying the federal government’s abdication of its trust responsibilities. The future of the Land-Buy-Back Program for Tribal Nations also appears to be in jeopardy with little support expected to come from future federal budgets. Even outside the BIA, the extensive budget cuts proposed by the President could have lasting effects on tribal communities, including the areas of child welfare, housing, law enforcement, environmental protection and natural resource management. The budget presents major cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency. Some of the worst environmental hazard sites are located on tribal lands, and reductions to cleanup funds and environmental oversight will continue to place Native Americans at risk.

 
Trump’s budget proposal will now move to Congress for approval. It is being met with mixed reactions.