Report Reveals Workforce Reductions at the Bureau of Indian Affairs During Trump Era
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) experienced significant staff reductions during the first year of President Trump’s administration, according to a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). This agency, tasked with managing trust responsibilities for 575 federally recognized tribes, saw its workforce dwindle amidst broader governmental restructuring efforts.
The staffing reductions occurred alongside the establishment of the short-lived Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was led by Elon Musk until its dissolution in November. The GAO report indicates that by July 2025, the BIA’s workforce had decreased by 11%, dropping from 7,470 to 6,624 employees.
Anna Maria Ortiz, who leads GAO’s natural resources and environmental team, highlighted that the BIA failed to consult tribes before these reductions, contrary to its obligations. “And tribal leaders told us that the consultations happened after the staff reductions,” Ortiz stated.
Within the Interior Department, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs faced a severe cut, losing over a quarter of its workforce, equating to 120 positions. This office supports the Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum.
Amidst these developments, the U.S. Senate confirmed William “Billy” Kirkland, a member of the Navajo Nation, as the 15th Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs. His confirmation came just months after the staff reductions took place, amidst a government shutdown where Senate Republicans supported his nomination despite opposition from Democrats, including Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego.
Ortiz noted the adverse effects of these workforce cuts, citing “delays in service delivery, the loss of a lot of institutional knowledge,” which hampers the BIA’s ability to support tribes effectively. The BIA, while initially silent on the GAO report, later expressed its commitment to enhancing “efficiency, accountability, and support for tribal self-determination” through updated internal policies.
