Nygren walks out mid-address as Council presses for answers on ZenniHome deal

By Krista Allen | Jul 24, 2025 | News |

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President Buu Nygren abruptly left the Council Chamber on Monday during his State of the Nation address, walking out just as lawmakers prepared to question him over his administration’s handling of a now-defunct housing deal with ZenniHome.

The sudden exit stunned delegates and sparked frustration inside the Chamber, as leaders sought answers about how the Nygren Administration approved a housing subcontract with ZenniHome through Indigenous Design Studio + Architects, why the number of homes was reduced, and what’s being done to help Diné families who were promised homes that may never be delivered.

“The Council has a duty to ensure that any agreements involving outside entities, especially those affecting the livelihood of our people, are held to the highest standards of transparency,” said Speaker Crystalyne Curley. “The president walking out on the Council and the Navajo people is very disappointing and disrespectful. It only adds to the questions being raised.”

A housing deal unravels

The tension followed a week of escalating developments. On July 14, ZenniHome publicly announced it would end its operations on the Navajo Nation, just days after the Budget and Finance Committee approved legislation for investigatory hearings and directed the Office of the Auditor General to conduct a forensic audit of the housing deal.

Meanwhile, the Council was notified that an application would soon be filed with the Judicial Branch seeking the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate possible unethical or illegal conduct tied to the IDSA-ZenniHome agreement.

During Monday’s Summer Session, delegates pressed for answers about procurement, possible conflicts of interest, and changes to the scope of work. Nygren’s early departure marked the second time he has walked out during a State of the Nation address. He has also failed to deliver the address on four separate occasions since taking office.

To read the full article, please see the July 24, 2025, edition of the Navajo Times.

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