Trump Administration Proposes Massive Cuts to Tribal Colleges

WASHINGTON, DC — June 5, 2025 The Trump administration has proposed a dramatic cut in federal funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), threatening the survival of institutions that serve over 20,000 Native American students across the United States. The proposal, detailed in the administration’s 2025 budget, includes an 86% reduction in funding for these 37 tribal colleges, which are already underfunded by an estimated $250 million annually.

Many TCU leaders warn that such cuts would be catastrophic. Manoj Patil, president of Little Priest Tribal College in Nebraska, called the proposed budget “a knife in the chest,” saying it would force some colleges to close their doors. TCUs provide culturally relevant education, job training, and community support to Native populations, many of whom live in underserved or rural areas with limited access to higher education.

In addition to education cuts, the proposed budget slashes over $700 million from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and $239 million from tribal housing programs. While the Indian Health Service would see a slight funding increase, critics note that it still falls far short of what’s needed to meet baseline health standards for Native communities.

Advocates say the budget reflects a broader pattern of federal disinvestment in tribal nations and undermines Native sovereignty. The proposal is likely to face pushback in Congress, where lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed support for tribal education and services.

If enacted, the cuts would roll back decades of progress in tribal self-determination and education access.

*Sources:
*https://www.propublica.org/article/tribal-colleges-universities-trump-cuts-funding