Donald Trump made a statement on Puerto Rico’s status during his first presidential campaign:
“There are 3.7 million American citizens living in Puerto Rico. As citizens, they should be entitled to determine for themselves their political status. I am firmly committed to the process where Puerto Ricans might resolve their status according to Constitutional and Congressional protocols. I believe the people of Puerto Rico deserve a process of status self-determination that gives them a fair and unambiguous choice on this matter. As president I will do my part to insure that Congress follows the Constitution. The will of the Puerto Rican people in any status referendum should be considered as Congress follows through on any desired change in status for Puerto Rico, including statehood.”
In other words, like many in Washington, Trump said that Puerto Rico should get to choose which status the Island should have.
This sounds good, but for a couple of things.
First, Puerto Rico already chose statehood.
So a statement favoring a process that lets Puerto Rico choose their status, that Congress should follow the Constitution, and that the results of status votes should be considered really just states the obvious. This statement does not say, “If the people vote again for statehood, as President I will call on Congress to pass a statehood admission act, and sign if it it is passed on terms that serve the U.S. national interest.”
61% of the people who chose a status opted for statehood in the 2012 referendum. This is a clear majority. Additional votes to confirm this result followed in 2017 and 2020. The President of the United States should be ready to demand action on the part of Congress. Mr. Trump is not known to be a fence-straddling politician so a statement like this one seems out of character. If he means a majority vote “should be considered” and that the future status options should “include statehood,” does that mean he will be noncomittal about continuing the status quo instead of actively supporting statehood?
Donald Trump has not made a new statement since this one. Tell Trump that you want a real answer on the question.
photo by Gage Skidmore
This statement was at one time on the Trump campaign website, but it is no longer available online. See a photo of the physical statement given to the press.
Note: PR51st appreciates all views but won’t publish comments making direct attacks on other commenters.
81 Responses
I believe The US is waiting till 75% of Puerto Ricans vote for statehood, they should define what is meant by Commonwealth Status.
I believe that it is 2/3 wanting Statehood. Seventy-five percent, of course is better, but Congress wants to see a larger percentage of Puerto Ricans wanting statehood than just half of the population.
In the 2016 election, over 85% of D.C.’s voters just overwhelmingly voted for the District of Columbia to become the 51st state. In the past the idea for DC Statehood was not favored by the Republicans, although some Republican Presidents reluctantly gave support to the statehood movement, but never a full endorsement. It will be interesting to see how Donald Trump deals with that one. They have a State Constitution already in place and the majority of the residents there (more people in DC than the states of Vermont and Wyoming) speak English and are American citizens. Puerto Rico may have some competition to become the 51st State. I have read that there are other areas wanting to become the 51st State: Jefferson, South California, Superior, Long Island, Upstate New York, and Guam. More competition for Puerto Rico. I have been to all of those places and feel like I was in the USA in everyone of those areas. I have been to Puerto Rico and I feel like was in, well Puerto Rico, not necessarily the USA.
51st State?? I rather be 1st. Yes a State. A sovereign and independent State. Puerto Ricans don’t be afraid to be free. Independent and sovereignty is the only healthy way. Be who you are, a Puerto Rican!
And essentially without restrictive laws they would have paid the debt 3 times over…
In less than a month the free and independent country of Puerto Rico will have a tyrant similar or worse than the Cuban Dictator. History repeats over and over again. Only way to have a free, prosperous and secure PR will be statehood.
Are you going to pay Puerto Rico debt? Will you defend Puerto Rico if and when we get invaded by anyone? No!! Puerto Rico needs to become a state before it becomes a third world country
Agree 100%
I fully agree with you. Puerto Rico has served in War Wold 1 and 2. We fight and die under the American from Vietnam Nam to present. Under the American Flag.. Afganistán brought Black bags from the ROTC AND NATIONAL GUARD TO SEVER. WE HAD BLACK BOW EVEN AT THE FRONT DOORS. I LIVE IT. SAW MY STUDENTS CRY and PRAY FOR THERE FRIENDS. I BELIEVE If THEY FIGHT AND DIE UNDER THE AMERICAN FLAG. COUNTED AS AMERICANS DIE IN ACTION. WHY SHOULD THEY VOTE FOR PRSIDENT. Be a complete State. Look happen to Vieques. STATEHOOD !!! Get benifets that Open Bridges. Not couch potatoes.
It takes more than just visiting Puerto Rico to determine its political ideosincracy. You have to have lived there and contemplate the political compound to be able to see how the poeple of Ouerto Rico really feels and yet even politicians can say one thing or another just to justify their political ideology. If we keep playing the readiness game, either Puerto Rico will stay in the Colonial limbo it has been for over 100 years or you are entrenching the to decide for independence against their own will. As an advocates for Statehood for Puerto Rico, I believe after the June 11th plebiscite , what ever result comes out, the President should express his idea on how to go about and Congress should act according to the people’s respond in such plebiscite.
Agree with you 200%….. 100% your, 100% mine
Commonwealth in an american way not in the current Spaniard way that #PR has been for decades. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commonwealth_(U.S._state)
Or 101%!
Actually, 52% of Puerto Ricans voted to NOT be part of the states… and only 45% voted for statehood, if you count the people who left it blank on the ballot. Let’s be accurate with the facts.
Is beneficial if Perto Rican from the island vote for statehood But with a condition not elect the same people’s or there family’s from the past governors who’s bring down the economy and our Island the way is it right now broke!!!!!!!
So very true!!!
Hector so very true you hit it right on the nails head!
If you dont vote it CANT Count
If 1,776,477 (+/-) voted, and 824,239 went for statehood and 852,139 did not.
It wasn’t a statehood yes/no vote. Check Wikipedia if you don’t accept our numbers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rican_status_referendum,_2012
Hector, you nailed it. I couldn’t agree with you more.
how is not voting be considered a vote? that makes no sense. By that logic a vast majority of Americans voted against Trump, since many didn’t vote at all.
The interpretation of past status votes offered in comments by “Jeff” is historically, legally and politically incorrect. The total number of votes cast in the 2012 vote for statehood on the second question was greater than the total number of votes for the current status on the first question. State wins, end of discussion. That was a more clear and definitive democratic vote than Congress relied in admitting several territories as states in the past. In addition, the 54% vote to end the current status on the first question means the governed do not consent to the form of government under which they are living. In case anyone has forgotten, under the Declaration of Independence it is a founding principle of our republic that the just powers of government are derived by consent of the governed. Of the 32 territories that became states, the admissions act passed by Congress typically provided that the territory had to establish a state government “not repugnant to the principles of the Declaration of Independence.” That means our nation still values the principles of government by consent, even if some of us do not. The reference made to past plebiscites presupposes previous votes should be treated as binding, while the most recent vote was not binding. Yet, all previous votes were legally and politically inconclusive because no status option on any prior ballot received a majority vote! That was due to the inclusion on the ballots in earlier votes of a spoiler option that combined features of both statehood and independent nationhood determined by Congress and the federal courts to be unconstitutional. Thus, those votes were rigged to prevent a majority vote on the actual options of statehood with equal U.S. citizenship or nationhood with citizenship only of a new sovereign country of Puerto Rico. The 2012 vote was the first and only vote in Puerto Rico’s history in which voters were offered real choices between real status options. It is simply wrong to argue that historic 2012 vote is meaningless because some who voted on the first question that produced a 54% majority to end the current status did not also vote on the second question that produced a 61% majority for statehood rather than separate nationhood. Under U.S. and international law blank ballots do not count unless the ballot instructions so state pursuant to applicable law. It is anti-democratic and promotes an imperialist and colonialist condition in Puerto Rico for the shrinking anti-statehood faction in Puerto Rico to argue that blank votes should be counted and assigned a meaning when that has not basis in law or fact. That argument is aligned with that anti-democratic position of imperialists and colonialists in the shrinking anti-statehood faction in the U.S. mainland. As correctly noted by PR51ST, the bipartisan leadership in Congress rejected the anti-democratic and anti-statehood propaganda, and recognized locally sponsored 2012 vote as a valid act of self-determination. On that basis Congress in 2014 authorized the first federally sponsored referendum in Puerto Rico to confirm the results of the 2012 vote. That is an historic step forward consistent with the great anti-colonial tradition pursuant to which 32 territories with U.S. citizen populations became states, and one U.S. territory never granted U.S. citizenship and determined by Congress in 1916 not eligible for statehood became the Republic of the Philippines. It never hurts to know ones history before condemning 3.5 million U.S. citizens to an inferior and less than equal status repugnant to the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Northwest Ordinance as founding documents of our nation.
Thank you!!!!
Thank you for clarifying Mr Silver Bullet.
Puerto Ricans can’t vote.
True. Puerto Ricans can vote in the presidential primaries, but cannot vote in presidential elections because Puerto Rico is not a state.
I’m PR and I do vote for the presidents and I live in. Tx.
Its that simple. Why they cannot understand is not in our hands. And yes by History and by Votes the great great majority of Puertoricans do want Statehood indeed. 5M have already upted to move the Continental USA. They gave their vote Clearly. Theyare living in the States. Maybe if we beome the 51st State, they all will want to return Home!!
First of all we do not drain the economy. We pay state taxes as well as federal taxes. Do your reasearch and then write.
You can not count those votes, so you are mistaken and using an invalid assumption of the electoral law. The fact is the actual status was declined by a63% of the votes and the actual status got a 37%, you are starting to sound like the Liberals here i the States. June 11th will tell what will happen, are you ready for it?
So true Dennis! I retired recently from an internationally known company that employs a large number of the residents on the island. When I a came back to the U.S. I bragged about how educated my countrymen are. Yes it is a beautiful country however we are trouble. Ever wonder why so many university and colleges leave the island…lack of opportunity for a better life. Puerto Ricans do not lack education they seek out higher education. Although I think our countrymen would be better off as a state but the decision is ultimately theirs. Let’s forget the romantic notions of our country and look at the current conditions honestly with an open mind and an honest heart.
Thank you, Dennis!
I think the average American DOES care about PR and their people and want to help them! They could have and should have waived the Jones Act right after Maria hit!
You don’t count if you don’t vote. Elections are decided by those who vote.
61% of the people who chose a status opted for statehood in the 2012 referendum. But this is NOT a clear majority OF the votes cast.
Many people deliberately abstained. Tell the truth. Those that voted for statehood DID NOT reflect a,majority if the,votes,cast.
YOU ARE USING STATISTICS MALICIOUSLY. YOU ARE MISLEADING PEOPLE.
GBU_777
Thank You PR51st. You are totally right. PPl what are we thinking?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rican_status_referendum._2012
We Puerto Ricans have to get this right once and for all.
We have to be hot or cold but “not” in between.
If you wish to be with God and the Devil at same time definitively you will be puked!
In our present times Status_Quo has no place in US politics. Neither in Congress. You will be disrespected!
You will get no were!. For the last 60+ years we have not defined our political status.
The situation with congress has been good enough to let us burn time and efforts and to get this far.
Don’t waste time or effort positioning too get puked. It will be over. Looks like sooner than later.
Spain mishandled us for 400+years.
There was never significant progress as individuals due to the fact that they didn’t gave us relevant oportunity.
and finally ? … they didn’t fight for us and gave us away! Yes. Look at the Paris Treaty. We were treated as POSh.
We are US citizens or independent 100% until we get it right. Dummy. It is up to us and not the Congress.
The congress is right. Think about it. As a Country the politics are more important that all the wars put together.
Remember we are are not in the heavens. Expect this to be no better than past history until We decide what to do.
God Bless us. –
It’s time that Puerto Rico becomes a state. I hope Donald Trump ensures the path without any issues that will prevent Puerto Rico from becoming a state of USA.
Amen, Amen!!!
I agree
Puerto Rico isn’t in the Mexican border
I trully Hope so. And I believe Trump is the President that can achieve it. Statehood Now!!!!
[…] also has not spoken clearly in support of statehood for Puerto Rico. He made a campaign statement in which he said, “As president I will do my part to insure that Congress follows the […]
We are American born citizens, we Puerto Ricans aren’t any different from someone born in USA if there is a draft we get swept too and another thing all we have to do is buy a plane ticket and move right next door to you.
Please do! Come see Michigan, we welcome you with open arms. Btw, funny you should mention it, the house next door IS for sale! Is waiting for you.
Independence with trade agreements and capitalist free market is only way we can actually be successful and not leach off the the US
Who’s leaching US rules Puerto Rico not Puerto ricans
Bravo! You hit it on the bull’s eye; Puerto Rico is paying for the U.S. Shipping industry; an undeniable fact. The U.S. Federal Government is a backstabber to it first and most loyal friend.
100% agree
While PR votes for/against statehood, Americans should also vote upon acceptance or rejection of PR as 51st as well as creating DC as a state. Allow all concerned to vote.
Agreed, sovereignty for PR is the best option. Only then PR would be able to establish a healthy relationship with the US through a COFA. (Compact of Free Association). Oh, guess what, PR will also be able to establish many other agreements with many other nations. Being sovereign means that you decide your own destiny. Stop looking at countries like Venezuela or Cuba!! Look at Costa Rica, Panama, Trinidad Tobago, Barbados Bahamas, Singapore etc. Most of them are even smaller than PR. This will not happen until PRs stop being so afraid of the words sovereignty and independence. But the reality is, a sovereign Puerto Rico is the only healthy way. Be who you are, a Puerto Rican!
I am a Puerto Rican decendant, I will be forever. that will not Change. And I want Statehood for Puerto Rico. That is well desreved after 120 years of Territorial colonial Status.That needs to be changed!
If Puerto Ricans decide not to join the Union then it should go independent, but don’t blame America after the Socialist take over and ruin the Island like they did in Cuba, Venezuela and Peru. I am ok with the Island going idependent but remember like the Philippines and Cuba anyone born after the independence will not be an American Citizen and it is sure a whole lot farther from Puerto Rico to the USA than Cuba. We are blessed to be part of the greatest Nation in the world not perfect but the best. 51st State will guarantee that we remain a free people able to move and live in any State of the Union of our choice. Independence will give us a seat in the most corrupt organization in the world the UN. Puerto Rico will be a voiceless Nation in that Corruptocrat organization. I wish them good Luck with that..
They should leave Puerto Rico along. They been a free state for a Long Time! The President Should Respect there Values! You have to show & Give respect to reciieve respect Back.
Agree 200%…….. 100% yours 100% mine
I prefer independence over statehood. I don’t live on the Island however so I respect what the Natives would like. What are the consequences of becoming a state and why do so many reject the Idea? What are the benefits or consequences of standing alone from the U.S. all together. There are many small countries that protect themselves and have allies. I would rather P.R. be an ally of the U.S. Our militant men are very vital to the U.S. military proven through out history. I welcome clarification as I research further.
Puerto Ricans agreeing that Puerto Rico should become the 51st state of the United States equates to being called an donkey; treating you as a donkey, and you are in agreement; it’s called the Stockholm Syndrome.
This shouldn’t have to be an issue. Puerto Ricans has been citizens of United States for generations. Our people has fought an d died for this country, don’t let their sacrifice be in vain. It is time for us to be recognized. We need a vote and we need a voice in congress. Those who think we will lose our identity; True Puerto Ricans carry our culture in our blood, essence, in our everyday life. If a 100 plus years of colonization hasn’t change that, Nothing will. We are and always be Puerto Ricans!
At least we will have the same rights and privileges as every body else in the 50 states
We deserve the same rights and privileges as the rest of our fellow citizens
That is not nec. true. As a state you would def. have the same rights but not nec. the same privileges.
Independence is the way to go for Puerto Rico, it was wall Street that put us in debt in the first place. I’d prefer independent with the ally clause, but we should be able to do business ourselves. Puerto Rican, u shouldn’t be scared to grow an build a solid nation, while protecting your culture.
Agree! A sovereign and independent PR is the only healthy way for our culture, language and land to be protected. PRs grow up and don’t be scare to build your nation, you have the right to do so. Stop the dependency mentality that all of our answers lie in the US. I believe we can, but you need to believe it also. Be who you are, a Puerto Rican!
Puerto Rico Will Become the 51 State.
no thank you
With two senators and five representatives Puerto Rico will be a very strong state where we can be part of a caucus and enjoy full benefits.
I have a dream; a dream that one day, everyone identify their roots and restore their ancestors land, to provide for their children, for their schools, and medical programs, and that a new organization comes together in a powerful integration to heal the world, Puerto Rico will fly leaving the nest of the United States, let the Eagle of the United States push the island off the branch 😉
@RoosterQ your statements are disingenuous at best, at the time all those things occurred, the Republicans were the Liberals, and the Democrats were the conservatives. The opposite is true now of the respective party bases. The big problem is that the Democratic leadership is as conservative as the Republicans of 50 years ago, which leaves America without a liberal or progressive voice in the government. With the regressive trade agreements in place, forced on PR, they can neither afford independence or to become a state successfully. The US sponsored socialist government there is keeping PR bankrupt to serve its own interests, not the interests of its people.
There’s no way Trump ever said anything that sounded even remotely as intellingent and well thought out as the statement in this article.
I have been spending a little reasearch and study time on Puerto Rico because I am considering investing in property there. I believe- in the long term -their real estate market will reflect it’s true worth. The natural beauty of the island combined my personal–albeit limited relationships with P. R. citizens – were very positive– the individuals I’ve met were impressive, hard working and successful people. Add the current buyers market into the equation…….you can see why I’m looking. I’ve been reading these passionate comments. Both sides arguments seem valid. SO….. if you gave me a penny for my thoughts — you’d have change coming. Haha -I’m obviously not qualified to talk intelligently about their politics, however, I will say -as a general rule–people cannot serve two masters indefinitely. My meaning is this — become a state or become independent. I’m quite sure Puerto Rican’s can and will succeed at either. Until they decide which path to take though– they are not capable of choosing their own destination. There is no future in the past and wether your argument is dead right or dead wrong– it’s still dead. The good news is all of you want what is best for P. R. Every healthy entity on earth grows through change and the ability to reason is what separates humans from other forms of life. Perhaps new ideas can indoctrinate grow and prosper within the minds of your youth. I think therefore I am—- if you think you can or can’t — your right! Hopefully a compromise that unites all — and insures the best possible future for P. R. Will soon come about.
It is clear to me the the anti American movement in Puerto Rico is desperate to delay, boicot this process. This few and impressive minority has a very strong falce identity among themself thinking this topic that has been debating for 100 years will gain the support for their selfish desire and do not have their thoughts of their people present and Future common good for their community. This electoral process has been financed by the US Congress for the first time. One last chance… no more opportunity will come along. Vote for any status of your preference but don’t waist it.
Clever. Wise and Honest. Thank you Frank
Puerto Rico as a State of the US. would be the best for them. They will have all the benefits that we all Americans enjoy, and will not have to struggle all the financial adversities they face. The US., will also benefit of it. Let us pray to our Almighty God, who has dominion over all the earth, to allow Puerto Ricans to finally be blessed.
Amen Amen Amen
Praise the Lord for that, Justice will be done.
ApostolRafi.
“Puerto Rico already chose statehood.”
“Another referendum is on its way.”
“Puerto Ricans should be able to choose its status.”
That referendum already came; over 80% of the voters voted ‘statehood’. And STILL… Congress hasn’t done a thing to make Puerto Rico a state. This reminds me of Utah, been repeatedly been declined of statehood. Except Utah had politics that were a serious problem for the U.S.; Puerto Rico’s politics are perfectly acceptable to the U.S.. So THIS NEW decline of statehood for Puerto Rico just comes to show Congress doesn’t want Puerto Rico to become a state, regardless to either the votes, the system, or the American way.
Lets Claim it Then!!!!! Its a Democracy and they must respetc that fact!!!!
Agreed
YA LA ISLA ALCANZÓ SU MADURES POLITICA HACIA LA ANEXIÓN, YA SE SABE QUE LA PREFERENCIA DE ESTADIDAD ALCANZA UN 65% COMO MINIMO.
Te recomiendo un buen Psiquiatra Amigo????