President Donald Trump on Thursday signed a memorandum to submit a plan to grant federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, a day before he is due to visit the state. The Lumbee tribe is recognized as a Native American tribe by the state of North Carolina but has been denied full recognition by the federal government.

In September, Trump made a bold campaign promise to the Lumbee Tribe during a rally, vowing to grant them federal recognition if reelected. Speaking at the Aero Center near Wilmington International Airport in North Carolina, Trump addressed a crowd of supporters, including John Cummings, a Lumbee Tribe member and Robeson County board commissioner.

Climate issues are taking center stage in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene wreaked catastrophic damage in western North Carolina at the end of last September.

President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum outlining a path for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina to receive federal recognition, something the tribe has sought for 136 years.

The Lumbee Tribe has sought full federal recognition for years. Despite support from the previous three presidents, the tribe has been unable to get the legislative support it needs.