Trump Administration Proposes Drastic Budget Cuts to Tribal Colleges

On June 9, 2025, the White House unveiled its proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, introducing significant cuts to funding for Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Notably, the budget eliminates the $13 million annual federal funding for the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico, an institution dedicated to contemporary Native American and Alaskan Native arts that has received federal support for nearly 40 years.

IAIA President Robert Martin expressed deep concern over the potential impact on students and faculty morale, emphasizing the institution’s unique role in preserving Native culture. In response, students have begun organizing efforts to contact Congress to counter the budget cut. While members of both political parties have pledged support, the proposal reflects broader efforts by the administration to curb diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

The proposed budget also includes an 80% reduction in the Interior Department's funding for the Bureau of Indian Education's post-secondary programs. This significant cut threatens the viability of many TCUs, which rely heavily on federal funds to provide tuition-free education to tribal citizens. Critics argue that these cuts undermine the U.S. government's trust obligations to tribal nations and reflect troubling policy priorities.

This development is part of a series of actions by the Trump administration targeting educational institutions, particularly those emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. For instance, in April 2025, the administration froze over $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell University and approximately $790 million for Northwestern University amid civil rights investigations. These actions are part of a broader strategy targeting colleges and universities over alleged civil rights violations and antisemitism tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

Additionally, the administration has proposed a $163 billion reduction in the U.S. federal budget for the next fiscal year, targeting deep cuts in domestic spending while increasing allocations for defense and border security. The proposal includes a 23% cut to non-defense discretionary spending, affecting various sectors, including education and health agencies.

The IAIA has faced funding challenges in the past. In March 2025, President Martin addressed the IAIA community, noting that while the institution had achieved forward funding to mitigate immediate impacts of federal budget uncertainties, there was an expectation of potential budget reductions in the near future. He emphasized the importance of prudent fiscal management and planning to sustain the institution through such challenges.

The proposed budget cuts to TCUs, particularly the IAIA, have ignited a significant debate about the federal government's commitment to Indigenous education and cultural preservation. As students and educators mobilize to oppose these reductions, the outcome will have lasting implications for Native American communities and the broader landscape of higher education in the United States.