If confirmed, Kirkland will replace Bryan Newland

 

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

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Navajo Nation council speaker Crystalyne Curley and Billy Kirkland shake hands with guests at the Navajo Nation Washington Office.  Kirkland was honored at the office during a reception in January. (Photo: Antonia Gonzales)

A Navajo Nation citizen has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.

The nomination of William “Billy” Kirkland was sent to the U.S. Senate on Monday, according to the Congressional database.

The Navajo Times reports Kirkland is a political strategist from Georgia who’s worked in the state’s political landscape. He also served in various positions during the first Trump administration.

Kirkland is said to have played a role working with tribes on the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women helping with the Trump administration’s response through Operation Lady Justice.

He was honored during a reception at the Navajo Nation Washington Office in January on the night before President Trump took office.

Navajo Nation council speaker Crystalyne Curley and Billy Kirkland shake hands with a guest at the Navajo Nation Washington Office. Kirkland was honored at the office during a reception in January. (Photo: Antonia Gonzales)

Kirkland gave brief remarks at the reception, in an audio recording provided by Indianz.com.

“Anytime we can get Indian Country more involved in anything we’re doing, whether it’s here in Washington or in the states or policy wise or the inaugural ceremonies taking place tomorrow, the inauguration ball, we definitely want to do so. The White House will continue to have an open-door policy with all the tribal nations.”

If confirmed, Kirkland will replace Bryan Newland (citizen of the Bay Mills Indian Community), who resigned at the end of the Biden administration.