Elizabeth Warren Identified as ‘American Indian’ on ID Card, According to Report by Reuters

By Dan Whitcomb

U.S. Democratic presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren identified as an "American Indian" on her 1986 registration card for the State Bar of Texas, as reported by a major newspaper.

This revelation adds another layer to the ongoing controversy regarding Warren’s claims of Native American ancestry as she prepares for a formal announcement of her 2020 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.

The registration card from April 1986, filled out in blue ink and signed by Warren, includes her educational background from the university and law school she attended. Notably, she noted her race as "American Indian."

Warren has reportedly apologized during an interview for previously identifying herself as Native American. The authenticity of the card has not been disputed by her office, though independent confirmation has not been made.

Tribal leaders and some members of her own party were upset when Warren took a DNA test in response to criticism from Republicans, including President Donald Trump. The test indicated that she has at least one Native American ancestor, but leaders in Native American communities condemned her use of the DNA result as an authority for her ancestry claims. They emphasized that cultural identity and tribal sovereignty are equally important, and that DNA tests do not grant rights to tribal citizenship.

Concerns have been raised among Democrats that Warren’s engagement on this issue may inadvertently benefit Trump and other Republicans.

Last week, the Cherokee Nation stated that Warren regretted taking the DNA test and reaffirmed that she is not a citizen of any tribal nation.

Warren has recently established an exploratory committee aimed at fundraising and staffing for her campaign ahead of the expected official launch this Saturday.