Congressional Offices Lobbying President Trump To Transition Territory Toward Independence, Report Says

Multiple congressional offices are lobbying President Trump to make Puerto Rico an independent country, Daily Mail reports.

The outlet reports that two offices possess a draft executive order to transition the island territory into a sovereign nation. 

Transitioning Puerto Rico to independence would reportedly save the United States $617 billion.

Trump pressured to make Puerto Rico independent to save America $617 billion https://t.co/CoEpvVJ5RY

— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) March 7, 2025

Daily Mail reports:

One individual familiar with the document’s origins said at least two members of Congress have a copy of the draft, which DailyMail.com has obtained and reviewed.

A source familiar with the document’s existence disclosed that it is also in the possession of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) and potentially other Cabinet secretaries.

Staffers for the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee and a staffer for Rep. Tom Kean (R-N.J.) have already held or scheduled meetings about the draft executive order.

The committee has jurisdiction over issues relating to Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. But committee officials did not reply to a request for comment.

The order appears to have been drawn up by a congressional office and leaders of Puerto Rico secessionist efforts, and not the White House.

But it is a clear effort to apply pressure on the White House to transition Puerto Rico out of its current status as a U.S. territory.

Trump has not indicated that he wants to rid the U.S. of the territory.

FREEDOM: US Members of Congress lobbying to make Puerto Rico an independent country https://t.co/bMCr0edkyd

— Think Puerto Rico (@thinkpuertorico) March 7, 2025

Per Newsmax:

Puerto Rico also would be provided with the necessary resources for economic self-sufficiency, the outlet reported.

The proposal would establish a 21-month timeline for the end of birthright citizenship for Puerto Ricans and create the Executive Transition Commission to oversee the island’s transition from territory to sovereign nation.

“The Executive Transition Commission will operate as part of the White House staff in coordination with Congress on matters that require legislation,” according to the order, which was seen by the Daily Mail.