Trump Emphasizes Long-Term Support for Arizona Tribal Nations

Team Trump held a Zoom press conference Saturday afternoon with Native American leaders to emphasize its commitments to Arizona’s tribal nations, contrasting Tim Walz’s planned photo-op visit to the Navajo Nation. The GOP outreach comes after President Biden’s first trip to tribal lands, where he issued an apology for the federal boarding school system’s impact on Native communities. However, Walz’s upcoming visit to the Navajo Nation sparked the Trump-Vance team to highlight its record, contrasting it with what GOP leaders describe as “Democrats’ last-minute push” to secure Native votes before the election.

Trump’s spokesperson underscored that influential Republican leaders have long supported Native issues, particularly in Arizona. Former Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer and former Arizona State Senator Carlyle Begay, a Democrat-turned-Republican, criticized Democrats for what they described as an “absence of tangible achievements,” while touting Trump’s track record as one of meaningful action over rhetoric.

Representative Eli Crane (R-CD2) shared a prepared statement highlighting his bipartisan efforts to support Arizona’s tribal communities. “Strengthening relationships with tribal leaders has been crucial,” Crane stated, adding that their shared “distrust of the federal government” fuels his work.

Crane’s first bill, which passed in the House, focused on “enhancing SBA support for tribal entrepreneurs.” He also introduced legislation to “streamline abandoned mine cleanup in Northern Arizona,” and has partnered with the Navajo Nation to develop their natural resources. Additionally, he is part of a bipartisan effort to secure “water settlements for the Navajo, Hopi, and San Juan Southern Paiute tribes.”

Honoring tribal military service, Crane recently commemorated Code Talker Day, describing it as a “proud and historic” moment. Acknowledging the challenges of inflation, border security, and economic strain on tribes, he said, “We need sustainable federal spending and real-world solutions.”

Republican candidates in Arizona, including Kari Lake, have also taken proactive steps to connect with Native communities. Lake’s Treaty Day visit in June included meetings with faith leaders, a tour of the Navajo Code Talker Memorial with Myron Lizer, and a meet-and-greet at the Navajo Fairgrounds, demonstrating her commitment to Native issues like economic development and cultural preservation.

Incredible day on the Navajo Nation! @KariLake connected with Faith Leaders w/ Myron Lizer, visited the Navajo Code Talkers Memorial, viewed our treaty, and enjoyed the rodeo. Looking forward to connecting with all 22 Nations in AZ. #NavajoNation #NativeVote pic.twitter.com/HBVa8dGWzw

— Mike (@ewoestmike) June 2, 2024

By focusing on shared priorities, such as infrastructure, education, and job opportunities, Republicans aim to strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities, contrasting their “record of action” with what they view as Democrats’ reactive outreach.

Team Trump claimed that during his presidency, Donald Trump took several actions aimed at supporting Native American communities. One of his significant initiatives was the establishment of Operation Lady Justice, a task force created to address the crisis of missing and murdered Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

The Trump administration also allocated substantial funding to support Native communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the CARES Act, $8 billion was directed to tribal governments to address pandemic preparedness and response. Additionally, over $1 billion was distributed through the Indian Health Service to bolster healthcare access, including telehealth expansion, in underserved tribal areas.

The team said that Trump also reactivated the White House Council on Native American Affairs to promote economic development and rural prosperity on tribal lands.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is set to visit Window Rock on the Navajo Nation’s 27,000-square-mile reservation. Critics claim that this recent intensification of Native American outreach follows internal reports “indicating a potential loss” of this key voter bloc if Dems didn’t reach out before the election.