If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through a trivia app or arguing with a friend about world geography, you might have hit a wall on a specific question: Who is the president of Puerto Rico?
It sounds like a trick. Honestly, it kind of is.
The short answer? Donald Trump.
Wait, what? Yeah. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, the President of the United States is the person who holds the title of president for the island. Since he was inaugurated on January 20, 2025, Donald Trump is currently the president of Puerto Rico.
But if you’re looking for the person who actually runs the day-to-day operations on the ground in San Juan, that’s a different story. That person is the Governor, and right now, that role belongs to Jenniffer González-Colón.
She was sworn in on January 2, 2025.
Confused? You’re definitely not alone. The political setup of the island is a weird, complex mix of colonial history and modern American law.
The President vs. The Governor: Who Does What?
Most people get this mixed up because they think of Puerto Rico as its own country. It’s not. But it’s also not a state. It’s in this "middle child" zone called an unincorporated territory.
Think of it like this.
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The President of the United States (Donald Trump) is the head of state. He’s the big boss. He oversees the military, handles foreign policy, and signs federal laws that affect the island. But here is the kicker: people living in Puerto Rico didn't get to vote for him in the general election. They participate in the primaries, sure, but when the big Tuesday in November rolls around, their ballots don't count toward the Electoral College.
The Governor of Puerto Rico is the head of the local government.
Jenniffer González-Colón is the one dealing with the stuff that actually keeps the lights on—literally. She’s currently tackling a massive power grid crisis and trying to figure out how to handle LUMA Energy, the company that’s been struggling to keep the island’s electricity stable.
Why Jenniffer González-Colón is a Big Deal
She isn't just "the governor." She’s a major political force.
- She’s the first woman to have served as Resident Commissioner (the island's non-voting rep in D.C.).
- She’s a Republican who actually supports Trump.
- She’s a die-hard advocate for statehood.
Her win in the November 2024 election was historic for a few reasons. First, she beat out the incumbent, Pedro Pierluisi, in a primary. Then she managed to win a three-way general election where a new "third way" movement (the Alianza) almost pulled off a massive upset.
Can Puerto Ricans Vote for President?
This is where things get really frustrating for a lot of people.
If you are a U.S. citizen born in San Juan, you have a blue passport just like someone born in New York. You can move to Florida today, register to vote, and cast a ballot for the President of the United States.
But as long as you are physically residing on the island of Puerto Rico? You can't.
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It feels like a glitch in the system. Basically, the U.S. Constitution says the President is elected by the states (and D.C.). Since Puerto Rico isn't a state, it doesn't get electors. This is why the question of who is the president of puerto rico often leads to long debates about civil rights and colonialism.
The Status Debate: Will There Ever Be a 51st State?
The "status" of the island is the number one topic in Puerto Rican politics. It’s the subtext of every single news story.
There are three main camps:
- Statehood: These folks (like Governor González-Colón) want Puerto Rico to become the 51st state. They want full voting rights and equal federal funding.
- Independence: This group wants Puerto Rico to be its own sovereign nation, totally separate from the U.S.
- Commonwealth (Status Quo): Some people prefer the current arrangement but maybe with more autonomy.
In 2024 and 2025, the push for statehood got louder. There have been several non-binding referendums where "Statehood" won. However, it doesn't matter how many times the island votes for it—only the U.S. Congress can actually make it happen.
And so far? Congress hasn't been in a rush.
Reality Check: What the President Actually Does for the Island
Since Donald Trump is the president of Puerto Rico, his policies have a direct impact on the 3.2 million people living there.
Federal agencies like FEMA (for hurricanes), the Department of Education, and the Department of Energy all report to him. When a hurricane hits—which happens a lot—the President is the one who has to sign the disaster declarations that release the money.
Back in 2017, after Hurricane Maria, the relationship between the White House and Puerto Rico was, well, incredibly tense. There were arguments over how much aid was being sent and how it was being managed. Now that Trump is back in office for a second term, many are watching closely to see how his administration handles the ongoing reconstruction of the electrical grid.
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Why the President Matters for Business
If you’re a business owner or looking to invest, the "President" question matters for your wallet.
The island uses the U.S. Dollar. It’s governed by U.S. federal court systems. If you have a legal dispute, it could end up in a U.S. District Court. However, because it's a territory, there are special tax rules (like Act 60) that don't apply on the mainland.
The President’s Treasury Department and the IRS are the ones who decide how those rules are interpreted.
Moving Forward: What to Watch in 2026
We are now deep into 2026, and the political landscape is shifting.
Governor González-Colón is pushing hard for a permanent solution to the status issue. There’s a lot of talk about a "run-off" style plebiscite where voters might finally have to choose between Statehood, Independence, or Sovereignty in Free Association.
But until something changes in Washington D.C., the answer to "who is the president of puerto rico" remains the same as the answer for the rest of the United States.
Next Steps for You:
If you're planning to travel to the island or do business there, don't worry about currency exchanges or passports if you're a U.S. citizen. Treat it like a domestic trip, but keep an eye on local news regarding the power grid. If you want to dive deeper into the legal side, look up the Insular Cases—they are the Supreme Court decisions from the early 1900s that created this "belonging to but not a part of" status in the first place.
Stay informed by following the official updates from La Fortaleza (the Governor's mansion) and the U.S. Department of the Interior, which handles territorial affairs.
The political situation is fluid, and 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the island's future relationship with the mainland.