The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is making headlines as we speak out against a new federal directive that could have devastating impacts on Tribal Nations.
A recent article highlights concerns from tribal leaders—including NCAI President Mark Macarro—regarding a proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump and Elon Musk to close more than 25 regional Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) offices. These closures threaten critical services and could violate the U.S. government’s trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations.
President Macarro underscored the seriousness of the situation, stating: “It’s a destabilizing action. We must assume the worst and continue to hold the federal government accountable to its trust responsibilities.”
These BIA offices play a crucial role in approving infrastructure projects, managing law enforcement funding, and ensuring Tribal Nations can access essential services. Any reduction in their operations risks further delays and broken promises.
