A draft executive order has surfaced, proposing Puerto Rico's transition to independence, allegedly saving American taxpayers substantial sums.
The Daily Mail reported that a seven-page draft executive order that suggests making Puerto Rico an independent nation has been making rounds among high-profile U.S. politicians and officials, proposing significant financial and structural changes.
The draft argues that Puerto Rico's independence could save the U.S. $617.8 billion, all while fostering the island's economic autonomy.
The draft was discovered in the possession of key figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. It details the cessation of Puerto Rico's status as a U.S. territory, outlining extensive plans for its transition.
This document was not authored by the White House but collaboratively by a congressional office and Puerto Rican secessionist leaders.
Meetings have been held, and more are planned to discuss the ramifications of this proposal among various stakeholders. The information has prompted discussions on the political and economic implications of such an act.
If the proposal comes to fruition, Puerto Rico would receive $36 billion annually for 20 years through the intended Puerto Rico Transition Fund.
This would support the island in building a self-sufficient economy post-independence. An Executive Transition Commission (ETC), managed directly from the White House, is proposed in the draft to oversee this transformation
The establishment of the ETC would involve coordination with Congress for required legislative actions, as outlined in the draft.
The transition's oversight would be led by a Puerto Rican national, underpinning the draft’s emphasis on local leadership and involvement in the process.
One of the more contentious aspects of the draft is the proposed termination of birthright citizenship in Puerto Rico by the end of 2026. This element has sparked debates about the impact on the population and its rights.
In response to the news of this draft, Gabriella Boffelli, executive director of the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration, strongly refuted claims of any covert plans aimed at forcing Puerto Rico's independence.
Boffelli emphasized that there is no evidence supporting such theories, which she claims distract from the true issues relating to Puerto Rico’s political status.
Juan Dalmau, Secretary General of the Puerto Rico Independence Party, sees this as an interesting development but stresses the importance of involving the democratic opinion of Puerto Ricans in the process.
Furthermore, recent non-binding votes demonstrate a preference among Puerto Ricans for statehood rather than independence, suggesting mixed sentiments about the draft’s objectives.
This draft not only sheds light on various strategic economic arguments but also touches deeper, unresolved issues regarding the self-determination and future status of Puerto Rico.
As discussions progress, the promise of an independent future contrasts with a past marked by debates over statehood and autonomy, encapsulating the complexity of Puerto Rico's path forward.