What a second Trump presidency could mean for Indigenous peoples

When Indigenous community organizer Jade Begay learned that Donald Trump had won the 2016 election, she was on her way to protest the Dakota Access pipeline. The pipeline had been a target of Indigenous activists for years, inspiring a new generation of Native American activists. Despite a temporary victory in delaying the pipeline’s opening, Trump signed an executive order to speed up its construction just days after taking office. Throughout his presidency, Indigenous activists found themselves fighting against decisions that undermined their rights and the environment. Trump’s administration rolled back environmental protections, opened up sacred lands for drilling, and disregarded Native opposition to projects like the Keystone XL pipeline. The impacts of Trump’s decisions were felt deeply by Indigenous communities. As the November election approaches, Native Americans fear that a second Trump presidency could further support fossil fuel projects on reservations, exacerbating the climate crisis. While some tribal members appreciate the administration’s support for oil and gas production, others, like Gussie Lord from Earthjustice, feel overwhelmed by the rollback of environmental regulations. The Biden-Harris administration, on the other hand, has shown more promise in incorporating tribal perspectives and increasing funding for tribal nations. Despite the disillusionment felt by many Native Americans towards both parties, the upcoming election raises concerns about the future of Indigenous rights and environmental justice under a potential second term for Trump.