A Navajo perspective: why many of us support Trump over Harris

By Francine Bradley-Arthur

Editor’s note: Francine Bradley-Arthur is an organizer and co-founder of Freedom House from St. Michaels, Arizona. She has 20 years of experience as a police officer and is passionate about advocating for economic empowerment, public safety, and cultural preservation.

As the founder of Freedom House in St. Michaels, Arizona, I’ve seen firsthand how those decisions in Washington, D.C. impact our lives. While some tribal bureaucrats run cover for Biden-Harris, many of us on the ground know that Donald Trump, along with leaders like Eli Crane and Kari Lake, have done more to support our communities and align with our true Navajo values.

Respect for life in the womb

In Navajo culture, life is sacred, including life in the womb—our hogan is shaped like the mother’s rounded belly. Trump’s administration upheld pro-life values that resonate deeply with our traditions. This is one of the reasons I continue to support Trump and Eli Crane and Kari Lake, who share these values and understand the importance of protecting life at all stages—from birth to keeping fentanyl out and keeping crime out of where we live through public safety. On the other hand, Democrat policies often seem out of step with our cultural beliefs, particularly regarding issues of life and family.

Economic empowerment: a path to independence

Under Trump’s leadership, Native American communities saw real gains in economic opportunities. His administration focused on policies that promoted job creation, homeownership, and financial independence—critical factors in breaking the cycle of reliance on federal aid. Trump’s vision for a strong economy, supported by domestic energy production, is what we need to keep gas prices low and make life more affordable for our families.

Public safety and justice: protecting our people

As a retired police officer, public safety is a critical concern for our communities, especially with the high rates of violence against Native women and children. Trump’s administration took meaningful steps to address these issues, such as signing the Ashlynne Mike AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act and creating a task force for Missing and Murdered Native Americans. These actions show a true commitment to protecting our people.

Environmental stewardship and tribal sovereignty

Trump’s administration modernized the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to ensure that tribes had a voice in environmental decisions. He also addressed long-standing ecological issues like the Navajo Abandoned Uranium Mines, which had been ignored for too long.

His support for tribal sovereignty, through actions like the progress for Indian Tribes Act, gave us greater control over our own resources and futures. Congressman Crane secured an EPA waiver for a critical water project, expediting the enhancement of drinking water and clean water systems in Navajo and Apache Counties after two wells collapsed in Northern Arizona last summer. Further, Eli Crane has supported our Water Right Settlement Act – a commitment I see echoed in the policies of Kari Lake.

Harris’s record: a threat to tribal lands

As attorney general of California, Kamala Harris opposed at least 15 tribal land-into-trust applications, actions that undermined Indian nations’ ability to reclaim lands lost to theft, fraud, and other negative policies. This lack of respect for tribal sovereignty and self-determination is deeply troubling and is one of the reasons many of us do not support her candidacy.

Excitement about RFK Jr.’s endorsement of Trump

Like many in our community, I was thrilled to hear that RFK Jr. endorsed Trump. This endorsement shows that people across the political spectrum recognize Trump’s positive impact on our nation, including in Indian Country. It’s a powerful reminder that Trump’s message of empowerment and self-determination resonates with many, regardless of party affiliation.

Looking ahead to local elections

While the national elections are critical, we must also focus on our local Council elections. These leaders make decisions that directly affect our daily lives, and we must elect people who share our values and will fight for our communities. I also want to remind everyone that if you’re a registered Democrat, you can still vote for Republicans on the ballot. It’s about choosing the best leaders, regardless of party, who will stand up for our people and our future.

Why we support Trump

As a Navajo woman and organizer, I am not alone in supporting Trump, Eli Crane, and Kari Lake because they represent the leadership that will truly benefit our people. They understand the importance of economic independence, public safety, and respect for our values. Their policies offer a future where Navajo communities are empowered to thrive, not just survive. As we approach the upcoming elections, I encourage everyone to think critically about who will best serve our needs and honor who we are as We The People.

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