A proposal to transition Puerto Rico into an independent nation is being reviewed by lawmakers and Trump administration officials, with a draft executive order outlining the potential financial and political impact of the move. The plan, which has been circulating on Capitol Hill, suggests that U.S. taxpayers would save over $617 billion by ending Puerto Rico’s territorial status.
Sources familiar with the document say it has reached at least two congressional offices and has been shared with high-ranking officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee, which oversees U.S. territories, has also been involved in discussions.
Jared Taylor in 1998 lays out the facts about Puerto Rico and why it should not become a US state. pic.twitter.com/hVgGLX4t3l
— Mike (@michaelhitack) March 8, 2025
The draft proposes phasing out birthright citizenship for Puerto Ricans born after December 31, 2026. It also outlines the formation of an Executive Transition Commission that would manage Puerto Rico’s separation while ensuring economic stability.
yes please 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/KSSWe3Un4P
— Freckled Liberty 🔥 (@FreckledLiberty) March 8, 2025
Financial estimates in the document claim that keeping Puerto Rico as a U.S. territory would cost $1.37 trillion over 50 years. To offset these costs, the plan suggests a Puerto Rico Transition Fund, which would provide $36 billion annually for two decades to support the island’s development.
The White House has not publicly acknowledged the proposal, and Trump has not signaled whether he supports Puerto Rico’s independence. The draft appears to have been written by congressional staff and advocates of secession rather than administration officials.
While the proposal argues that independence would reduce government spending, Puerto Rico’s political status remains controversial. The most recent referendum showed strong support for statehood, with independence remaining a minority position.
