A newly circulating memorandum within U.S. political circles has sparked intense discussions among policymakers and Puerto Rican stakeholders.
Titled “Addressing Puerto Rico’s Political Status through Executive Action,” this document, directed to President Trump and key members of his administration, outlines a path to resolve Puerto Rico’s longstanding colonial status through decisive executive action. In an unprecedented move, the memorandum challenges the feasibility of statehood, and it prioritizes national sovereignty as the only sustainable solution for Puerto Rico’s future, shaking the foundations of pro-statehood and pro-commonwealth advocates.
The memorandum delves into three proposed options: issuing an executive order to recognize Puerto Rico’s right to declare sovereignty, using emergency powers to address governance and transition, and — the recommended approach — establishing a Federal Task Force on Puerto Rico’s Transition to Sovereignty.
The task force would work for two years to craft a detailed and actionable plan for Puerto Rico to transition into sovereign nationhood through independence or free association. By year three, Puerto Rico would move to establish a transitional government, hold a constitutional convention, and adopt a sovereign democratic system. This structured and transparent approach balances U.S. national interests with Puerto Rico’s self-determination, fostering a relationship based on mutual respect and partnership.
The memorandum leaves no room for ambiguity: statehood is neither politically nor economically viable for Puerto Rico or the United States. Citing the 2014 Government Accountability Office report, it underscores the immense financial burden statehood would impose on federal resources and highlights the cultural and linguistic conflicts it would exacerbate. For Puerto Rico, statehood would erode its unique cultural identity and national aspirations.
This realization has left Jenniffer González, Puerto Rico’s newly elected governor and a staunch pro-statehood advocate, reeling. Her administration thought Republican leadership would never support Puerto Rico’s sovereignty. However, the memorandum’s recommendations have ignited fears among pro-statehood and commonwealth leaders of a coming shift in U.S. policy.
The recommended task force approach strikes a balance between urgency and inclusivity. By convening federal agencies, Congress, and Puerto Rican stakeholders, the task force would ensure a collaborative framework to address the legal, political and economic measures needed for sovereignty. Sovereignty would allow Puerto Rico to reclaim its political and economic destiny, establishing democratic governance while fostering economic growth, international relations and trade, and cultural preservation.
For the United States, supporting Puerto Rico’s sovereignty would solidify its global leadership in promoting self-determination and democracy while reducing long-term federal expenditures on corrupt and failed territorial governance.
Pro-sovereignty leaders in Puerto Rico have applauded this memorandum, viewing it as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the island’s right to self-determination. They argue that sovereignty would liberate Puerto Rico from the economic stagnation and political subjugation that colonial rule has perpetuated. As outlined in the memorandum, the prospect of crafting a Treaty of Friendship & Cooperation or a Compact of Free Association between Puerto Rico and the United States has further bolstered support, offering assurances of continuing partnership and mutual benefits.
As the memorandum gains traction and generates discussions in Washington, its potential to reshape Puerto Rico’s future cannot be overstated. For decades, the debate over Puerto Rico’s status has been mired in political inertia and competing interests. This bold and well-reasoned document provides a clear, actionable framework for resolving a centuries-old issue. However, its circulation has also created unease among politicians in Puerto Rico who fear losing power and influence.
Meanwhile, pro-sovereignty leaders, advocates and ordinary Puerto Ricans see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to break the chains of colonial dependency and embrace a future of dignity, democracy and self-determination.
The time for action is now. Puerto Rico’s colonial status is not only an affront to democratic values but also an unsustainable model that harms the island and the United States. This memorandum, championed by those committed to justice and equity, lays the groundwork for a historic transformation.
The question remains: Will American leaders rise to the occasion and help lead Puerto Rico toward freedom and sovereignty, fulfilling the promise of democracy and self-governance?
