President Donald Trump on Thursday directed the Interior secretary to develop a plan to help the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina gain full federal recognition.
Trump signed a memorandum, titled “Federal Recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina,” that directs the Interior secretary to develop a plan within 90 days to assist the tribe in obtaining “full federal recognition through legislation or other available mechanisms.”
The White House issued a fact sheet Thursday saying that “full federal recognition is long overdue” for the tribe. “The Lumbee have long been recognized at the state and federal level, but further federal action is required for full federal recognition and the accompanying benefits and protections,” the fact sheet says.
Trump plans to visit North Carolina on Friday.
