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Washington, DC – In an unprecedented move today, the Trump Administration began firing hundreds of thousands of “probationary” federal employees pursuant to Executive Order 14210. With willful disregard for the health and overall welfare of these individuals and their families, this action will have a significant negative impact on the millions of American people that these dedicated federal servants support, one which is likely to grow in intensity.
Despite efforts by many to protect the special and unique interests of Indian Country that result from our scared relationship with the United States, we were not immune from today’s action. Up to several thousand employees at agencies like the Indian Health Service (IHS), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and DOJ Office of Tribal Justice have been or are slated to be terminated.
Indian Country continues to face many challenges that are the direct result of Federal Indian policies and continued failures to fulfill trust and treaty obligations. Today’s action only serves to exacerbate an already challenging situation, further harming and jeopardizing the overall wellness and safety of our people.
“Because of our unique relationship with the United States, federal employees are an indispensable part of public health and safety across Indian Country, among other critical services,” said USET SPF President, Chief Kirk Francis. “The loss of these employees, coupled with the continued suspension of vital federal funding, will result in devastating impacts to Indian Country. In the strongest possible terms, we call upon the Trump Administration to immediately stop its assault on Tribal Nations and instead work with us to ensure our interests are protected as further policy is implemented.”
The United States fulfills its trust and treaty obligations to Indian Country through both the direct delivery of Tribal programs and services and through provision of federal funding to Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations serving Tribal Nations. Essential services provided by Federal employees include healthcare services through IHS, law enforcement and public safety through the BIA, and educational services through the BIE—not to mention countless other essential and legally mandated services. These programs are not discretionary; they are legal obligations rooted in treaties, trust obligations, the U.S. Constitution, and long-standing federal statutes.
As this Administration continues to execute on its priorities, it is critically important that Indian Country not become collateral damage. As we do with all Administrations, regardless of party affiliation, we expect that our unique history and modern-day diplomatic relationship, as well as accordant legal obligations, be honored and respected. Not only must the United States ensure that all federal actions demonstrate proper regard and reverence for our unique relationship and related interests, but also for the shared common interests of all who now reside across these sacred lands.
USET SPF is part of a coalition of 18 Tribal Nations that transmitted a letter to the Trump Administration earlier today. The letter urges the immediate exemption of all federal employees serving Tribal Nations and Indian Country from any reductions in force.
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