Federal agencies are investing significant sums—tens of millions of dollars—into California’s Native American tribal governments that are critical of President Trump, as their leaders frequently delay tax payments, according to a new report.
The Kumeyaay Nation and its Sycuan Band reportedly garnered over $2.5 million in state and federal tax liens from 1986 to 2024, based on an analysis by the American Accountability Foundation (AAF). This report, obtained exclusively by the Daily Call News Foundation, outlines how Trump is calling for an end to funding for these tribes, which have been vocal opponents of his border policies and have financially backed prominent Democrats, including Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom.
“Tribal leaders are actively taking American dollars by not paying taxes, yet they can afford to buy luxurious homes and fund extravagant events,” commented AAF President Tom Jones. “This outrageous misuse of resources needs immediate attention.”
Previously, tribal government representatives, including Sycuan Tribe President Cody Martinez, have not responded to multiple requests for comments regarding these findings.
Furthermore, tax records reveal that Michael Michaels, Executive Vice President of the Sycuan Tribal Development Corporation, has had over $1.3 million in tax liens from 2006 to 2024, with inquiries to him going unanswered. Similarly, Councillor Jamie Labrake reported a tax lien exceeding $870,000 between 2002 and 2019, while Vice-President Joshua Muse incurred a lesser lien, which he has since settled. Attempts to reach both Labrake and Muse for comment were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, AAF found that Councillor William Tucker had a lien over $335,000 that was cleared within four years. The Sycuan Tribal government itself has dealt with more than $50,000 in federal liens from 1986 to 2014.
The Sycuan Tribe has received over $100 million in federal funds since 2008, with over half of it attributed to COVID-19 relief measures from Biden’s American Rescue Plan, as stated by the AAF.
The Department of Health and Human Services has granted approximately $4 million to tribes since 2020 for combating substance abuse and providing health services. Additionally, nearly $50,000 was awarded by the Federal Government Museum and Library Services Institute over several years.
In a related financial move, the Ministry of Home Affairs has allocated around $289,058 for the development of a Sycuan Tribal Agency to handle utility and energy needs.
Interestingly, the tribe possesses luxury properties, including homes featuring swimming pools and sizable estates, alongside commercial interests such as their hotel, casino, and golf course.
In June, the casino even hosted a “Drug Brunch Buffet” to honor LGBTQ Pride, donating $25,000 to the 2023 San Diego Pride Parade, as highlighted in the AAF report.
Notable is the Sycuan Band’s participation in opposing Trump’s border wall initiative, marching and protesting at construction sites. They’ve also been involved in litigation against the Trump administration regarding the wall’s impact on tribal lands.
Political contributions from the Sycuan Band have spanned both parties, with their 2024 support favoring Harris over Trump with a notable donation of $53,300. Since 1999, their total spending on political lobbying in California is over $5.4 million, with more than $4.9 million directed at federal lobbying since 2003.
