Proposal Circulating in Washington Calls for U.S. to Cut Ties with the Caribbean Territory

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

The Trump administration is facing growing pressure from Capitol Hill to grant Puerto Rico full independence, as a new proposal outlines a path to transition the U.S. territory into a sovereign nation. The seven-page draft executive order, which has been circulating among lawmakers and administration officials, argues that de-annexing the island could save U.S. taxpayers $617.8 billion over the next five decades.

According to the Daily Mail, at least two members of Congress and several top Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, have reviewed the draft and held meetings regarding its potential implementation.

The document, reportedly drafted by a congressional office and Puerto Rican secessionist leaders, outlines a 21-month transition period for Puerto Rico’s independence, culminating on December 21, 2026. After this date, babies born in Puerto Rico would no longer be granted U.S. citizenship. The plan also proposes a Puerto Rico Transition Fund, allocating $36 billion annually for 20 years to support economic development on the island.

The draft states: “This plan results in $617.8 billion in savings for the U.S. while providing Puerto Rico with the necessary resources for economic self-sufficiency.”

While President Donald Trump has not publicly expressed a desire to end Puerto Rico’s territorial status, the document appears to be an attempt to push the White House toward considering the move. The draft even includes a blank space for Trump’s signature and a March 2025 date, indicating it is structured as an executive order that only requires his approval.

The proposal emphasizes the financial burden of maintaining Puerto Rico as a U.S. territory, arguing that independence would reduce wasteful spending and allow federal resources to be redirected toward national priorities. It further asserts:

“Rather than perpetuating indefinite territorial dependence, this approach eliminates wasteful spending, establishes a clear exit strategy, and redirects federal resources toward national priorities and domestic programs. This solution ensures Puerto Rico’s successful transition to sovereignty while upholding an America First policy.”

While Puerto Rico’s political status has long been a topic of debate, the current push for independence marks a significant shift in Washington’s approach to the island’s future. The White House has yet to comment on whether Trump will consider signing the executive order, but discussions among administration officials suggest the issue may soon take center stage in policy debates.