During the recent election campaign, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump sought the support of the Lumbee Tribe in North Carolina, a state-recognized tribe with 55,000 members. Trump promised federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe, a move that could provide access to federal funds. Despite Trump's victory in North Carolina, the promise now awaits fulfillment as he prepares to return to the White House in January.
The Lumbee Tribe has been attempting to gain federal recognition through Congress rather than the traditional Department of the Interior application process, which they deem flawed and lengthy. The tribe's chairman, John Lowery, expressed frustration at the ongoing battle for recognition.
