Navajo Nation Council votes to remove Kris Beecher as acting attorney general

The 25th Navajo Nation Council voted unanimously to immediately remove Kris Beecher as the Navajo Nation acting attorney general, according to the Navajo Nation Council.

The Council will also no longer recognize or approve Beecher in that role. The measure was introduced as an emergency, and its text states that the lawful occupancy of the offices of the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General directly affects the legal services essential to the operation of the Navajo Nation government and the defense of the Nation’s sovereign interests.

“Allowing an acting Attorney General to remain in office without a lawful appointment places every legal action, opinion, representation and determination made in the name of the Navajo Nation at risk,” said legislation sponsor and Law and Order Committee Chairwoman Eugenia Charles-Newton. “The uncertainty surrounding this individual’s authority to exercise the powers of the office presents a serious threat to the sovereignty of the Navajo Nation.”

The removal follows a series of unsuccessful appointments by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren. Nygren initially recommended Beecher for Attorney General on Dec. 18, 2024, but the confirmation legislation was later withdrawn by its sponsor with no final action taken.

Nygren recommended Beecher again on Oct. 22, 2025, and designated him as acting attorney general effective Oct. 23, 2025. The Council unanimously rejected that second confirmation attempt on Nov. 26, 2025. Nygren then recommended him a third time, but no sponsor has been identified to introduce confirmation legislation.

Charles-Newton also said the repeated recommendations undermine the Council’s exclusive authority. “The repeated recommendation of Beecher following the Council’s decision not to confirm him undermines the appointment and approval authority granted exclusively to the Council,” the chairwoman said. “It also disrupts the balance of powers established between the Executive and Legislative Branches of the Navajo Nation government.”

The Navajo Nation Code does not recognize the positions of acting or interim Attorney General, the legislation states, and an individual the Council has declined to appoint cannot lawfully serve in the office in any capacity.

The legislation directs Beecher to immediately vacate the office. Should he refuse, it says, he may be subject to a charge of criminal trespass under the Navajo Nation Code.

The Council approved Legislation No. 0195-26 by a vote of 16 in favor and none opposed. It serves as the final authority for the legislation.