La Mano de Washington: How U.S. Presidents Failed Puerto Rico

For over 120 years, Puerto Rico has lived under the control of the United States, yet it has no vote in Congress, no say in presidential elections, and no path to true self determination. Why?

In La Mano de Washington: How U.S. Presidents Failed Puerto Rico, Alex Alicea exposes the long and often hidden history of how U.S. presidents, both Democrat and Republican, have neglected, exploited, and undermined the island since 1898.

From the Spanish American War to Hurricane Mar燰, from Woodrow Wilson's citizenship for war policy to Trump's paper towel moment, this powerful book walks readers through every major administration and the decisions that kept Puerto Rico in political limbo. With vivid storytelling and plain language, Alex Alicea tries to breaks down complex topics like the Jones Act, PROMESA, the Puerto Rican debt crisis, and the gag laws that criminalized independence.