Newly appointed USDOT Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs takes oath of office
**Newly Appointed Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs at USDOT Demonstrates Commitment to Tribal Affairs**
James A. Crawford, a citizen of the Forest County Potawatomi Community of Wisconsin, has been sworn in as the new Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) on July 11, 2025. With a deep background in tribal governance and tribal affairs, Crawford is well-equipped to deliver on President Trump's and Secretary Duffy's promises to work with the 574 federally recognized tribes across the U.S.
Crawford's extensive experience in tribal affairs began within the Forest County Potawatomi tribal government, where he served in multiple key roles, including Vice-Chairman, Council Member, Secretary, and most recently, Tribal Chairman. As Tribal Chairman, he played a pivotal role in advancing tribal infrastructure and sovereignty by signing the compact and funding agreement with USDOT, enabling his tribe to join the Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program in August 2024.
Prior to his appointment as Assistant Secretary, Crawford joined USDOT in May 2025 as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs, gaining direct experience within the Department. This experience, combined with his leadership roles within his own tribe, positions him as a knowledgeable and influential figure in advancing tribal affairs at the federal transportation level.
Crawford's commitment to furthering the promises made to federally recognized tribes and strengthening their sovereignty through the Department’s Tribal Transportation programs is evident. His dedication to tribal affairs has been recognised by various organisations, including Madison365 Wisconsin, which named him one of the state's most influential Native American leaders in 2023, and BizTimes Media Wisconsin, who included him in their list of the 275 Most Influential Business Leaders in 2024.
Crawford is proud to represent his tribe, the Forest County Potawatomi Community, in Northern Wisconsin, and he looks forward to strengthening the sovereignty of these tribes through the Department’s Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program. With his extensive background in tribal affairs and his recent experience within the USDOT, Crawford is poised to make a significant impact in the field of federal transportation and tribal affairs.
- Crawford's tenure at the Forest County Potawatomi tribal government, which includes roles like Vice-Chairman, Council Member, Secretary, and Tribal Chairman, provided him with an extensive background in tribal affairs.
- As Tribal Chairman, Crawford was instrumental in advancing tribal infrastructure and sovereignty by signing a compact and funding agreement with the USDOT, enabling his tribe to join the Tribal Transportation Self-Governance Program in August 2024.
- The commitment of Crawford, the newly appointed Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs at the USDOT, to furthering promises made to federally recognized tribes and strengthening their sovereignty through the Department’s Tribal Transportation programs is evident.
- Crawford's influence in advancing tribal affairs at the federal transportation level is significant, as recognized by various organizations, including Madison365 Wisconsin, who named him one of the state's most influential Native American leaders in 2023, and BizTimes Media Wisconsin, who included him in their list of the 275 Most Influential Business Leaders in 2024.
