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Independence or Austerity? The Push to Cut Puerto Rico Loose
Puerto Rico’s future is framed as a budget issue — even as fossil fuel deals and housing cuts deepen federal control.
Jillian Melero
March 25, 2025
A fortified island framed by barbed wire and bold skies, echoing the colors of Puerto Rico’s flag. This month, we look at a controversial proposal that frames Puerto Rican independence as a cost-saving measure for the U.S. — and what that says about the politics of self-determination.
(Generated by Jillian Melero with DallE ∙ March 25, 2025)
For March, Connect Puerto Rico looks at how the idea of independence is being used as political currency — from energy to economics to Puerto Rico’s future political status.
A recently surfaced proposal from a pro-independence group is making headlines for claiming Puerto Rican independence could save the U.S. more than $600 billion. It’s not an official plan, but the language is gaining traction in right-wing circles.
Also in this issue:
LNG arrives from the U.S. for the first time — raising new questions about fossil fuel dependence and energy security
A coal plant gets a lifeline despite health concerns and mounting pressure to shut it down
Homeland Security visits Puerto Rico with promises of support — but few specifics
A critical housing program is frozen, cutting off federal funds for affordable housing projects already in progress
Let’s get into it.