Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) are facing an unprecedented 88% budget cut in federal funding after the Trump administration’s budget proposals suggest the funding for Bureau of Indian Education post-secondary programs be slashed from $183 million to just $22 million. This is one of the most devastating threats in TCU history.
How Federal Budgets Work and Where We Are Now
Every year, the President submits a budget proposal to Congress reflecting the administration’s priorities, but it is not law. You can find the President’s FY 2026 Discretionary Budget Request here.
However, it is Congress that has the final say in setting the budget, so the 88% cut is proposed but not final. Both the House and the Senate must agree on the new spending bill before the current budget expires on September 30th, 2025. You can learn more about the congressional budget process here.
Right now, the Appropriations committee in the House and Senate are drafting their bills. TCU funding will be determined by the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies subcommittee.
Why Do TCUs Matter?
TCUs are not just schools; they are lifelines. They provide culturally grounded education, preserve Native languages, and drive economic development in tribal and rural communities.
Most importantly, TCUs exist because of federal treaties signed with Native Nations, exchanging land for a promise to care for Native Nations in perpetuity, and legislation like the Morrill Act of 1862 to the Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities Assistance Act of 1978. The federal government has a legal and moral obligation to support higher education opportunities for Native nations.
Cutting TCU funding by 88% is not just breaking a promise to students, it is breaking a promise to sovereign nations. Again.
What Can You Do?
Congress has the final say on the budget and right now is the critical window for advocacy. Here’s what you can do:
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- Find your representative or senator here and call them using this script:
“Hello, my name is [Your First Name]. I live in [Your City and State]. I am calling to urge you to oppose the 88% cut to the Bureau of Indian Education post-secondary programs. Tribal Colleges and Universities rely heavily on this funding. TCUs are treaty obligations, not optional programs. Cutting them would devastate Native students and rural communities. Thank you for helping to ensure full funding is restored in the appropriations bill.” - Attend your local town hall.
You can often find schedules by visiting your congress members’ official website or calling their district office.
- Find your representative or senator here and call them using this script:
TCUs are funded thanks to treaty obligations, not political choice. Cutting TCU funding cuts Native students’ and communities’ options for their futures. Join us in defending Native higher education.
Find your representative or senator below.
