Lawmakers Push Plan To Make Puerto Rico Independent — Citing Budget Savings

A push to sever Puerto Rico’s ties with the U.S. is gaining traction in Washington — with a draft executive order outlining a transition plan for the island’s independence circulating among lawmakers and top officials. The proposal argues that granting Puerto Rico sovereignty could save the U.S. over $617 billion.

The seven-page document — which has reached multiple congressional offices and members of the Trump administration — lays out a framework for a 21-month transition that would end birthright citizenship for Puerto Ricans born after December 31 — 2026. It also proposes creating an Executive Transition Commission to manage the process.

Reports indicate that Secretary of State Marco Rubio — White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard have reviewed the draft. Staff from the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee — which handles U.S. territorial issues — have also been involved in discussions.

The proposal estimates that Washington would spend $1.37 trillion over 50 years to maintain Puerto Rico’s territorial status — with additional costs from disaster relief funding. To offset this — it suggests a Puerto Rico Transition Fund — which would provide $36 billion annually for 20 years to assist with economic restructuring.

Though the White House has not formally endorsed the proposal — its circulation signals growing pressure on Trump to consider the financial and political implications of Puerto Rico’s future. While statehood remains the most popular option among voters on the island — independence advocates are gaining attention with their calls for complete separation.

Puerto Rico’s status has long been debated — with past referendums showing a preference for statehood over independence. However — the proposal argues that transitioning the island into a sovereign nation would align with Trump’s efforts to cut federal spending.

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