reinstate the BIA's recognition. State and local leaders had opposed recognition because they believed that the tribe would develop a large casino, and they were concerned about the adverse effects of such operations on local communities. The Eastern Pequot's reservation is near the Foxwoods Resort operated by the Mashantucket Pequot tribe. However, the BIA issued new rules in 2015 saying that tribes cannot re-petition if they have already been denied federal recognition. The tribe has not pursued seeking recognition through the United States Congress due to anti-gaming sentiments in the Northeast, which would make passage unlikely at this time. Reunited Eastern Pequots and Donald Trump On May 28, 2003 Donald Trump filed a lawsuit against the reunited tribes, claiming he had been excluded from their development plans. During the split, he had contracted with the smaller Pawcatuck Eastern Pequot faction. The reunited tribe selected a different developer for their deal. References "Easterns Welcome Union Membership for Possible Casino", The Westerly Sun, 4 September 2004 External links Official Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation Website Native American tribes in Connecticut African–Native American relations Algonquian ethnonyms Pequot American Indian reservations in Connecticut State-recognized tribes in the United States