- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
WASHINGTON — Indian Health Service (IHS) Director, Rear Adm. Michael Weahkee, a political appointee of Donald Trump’s has been asked to resign effective on Jan. 20, 2021, the day President Joe Biden will be inaugurated.
Weahkee informed tribal and urban Indian organizations leaders in a Jan. 11, 2021 letter that he was asked to tender a resignation letter by officials of the incoming Biden administration. Weahkee’s departure is normal for political appointees.
“It has been a sincere honor to have been entrusted to serve in this role,” he said in the letter, noting that his departure was typical during presidential transitions. “I believe the IHS is more capable now than ever before of fulfilling our vision of healthy communities and quality health care systems through strong partnerships and culturally responsive practices,” Weahkee wrote in the letter.
Nominated by the president of the United States, the director of the IHS is confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Trump nominated Michael D. Weahkee, an enrolled citizen of the Zuni Indian Tribe, to the post in October 2019 and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in April 2020. Prior to serving as IHS Director, Weahkee served as Principal Deputy Director and Acting Director of IHS during the interim and also as Assistant Surgeon General of the United States Public Health Services at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Previously, he served as the chief executive officer at the Phoenix Medical Center.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (December 14, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Wounded Knee Massacre Site Protection Bill Passes Congress
Two Murdered on Colville Indian Reservation
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
