Warren Releases DNA Test Showing Native American Ancestry

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts has released a DNA test that provides “strong evidence’’ she has Native American ancestry. The story was first reported by The Boston Globe.

After receiving the results of the test Senator Warren tweeted:

“My family (including Fox News-watchers) sat together and talked about what they think of @realDonaldTrump’s attacks on our heritage. And yes, a famous geneticist analyzed my DNA and concluded that it contains Native American ancestry.”

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The tests show that the senator had a Native American in her family tree dating back 6 to 10 generations.

Warren’s unprecedented move was made in her effort to defuse questions about her claimed Native American ancestry that have persisted since she entered public life years ago.

Her claims to Native American blood have been mocked by President Trump and other Republicans. This is why she got the test done and provided the test results to the media on Sunday. According to the senator’s office she is planning a more publicized announcement and rollout this week. Her goal is to receive more publicity and attention for the test results which prove her claims to Native American identity are valid.

Carlos D. Bustamante, a Stanford University professor and expert in the field performed the analysis of Warren’s DNA. Bustamante won a 2010 MacArthur fellowship for his work on tracking population migration via DNA analysis. He concluded that “the vast majority” of Warren’s ancestry is European, but he added that “the results strongly support the existence of an unadmixed Native American ancestor.”

Senator Warren has often said that her great-great-great-grandmother, O.C. Sarah Smith, was partially Native American. That would make Warren 1/32nd Native American.

President Trump has repeatedly mocked Warren — a potential 2020 presidential candidate — as “Pocahontas.” In addition, he offered $1 million to a charity of her choice if she took a DNA test that proved her claims, which she has now done.

“Trump offered $1 million to the charity of Warren’s choice if she took a DNA test. Now she has.”

It remains to be seen whether Trump will follow through on his promise.

Leo Vidal

I am a lifelong Democrat with a passion for social justice and progressive issues. I have degrees in writing, economics and law from the University of Iowa.