Who runs Puerto Rico?

Answer 1

Juan Ponce de Leon was the first Governor of Puerto Rico. His Grandson, Juan Ponce de Leon II was the first native Puerto Rican to hold the office as interim Governor in 1579 and the 31st Governor. A total of nine individuals held that office in 1898 including the first three US born: Commanding General Nelson A. Miles, Major General John Brooke and Major General Guy Vernon Henry. The Spanish General Ricardo de Ortega y Diez held the post three different times during that difficult year of the Spanish American War.

The first civilian Governor was Charles Herbert Allen who was appointed by President William McKinley in 1900.

In 1934 President Franklin Roosevelt appointed retired Major General Blanton Winship as the Military Governor of Puerto. Roosevelt removed him from office in 1939 after the Ponce Massacre for abusing the Civil Rights of Puerto Ricans.

Retired Chief of Naval Operations William Daniel Leahy was appointed by Roosevelt to the post in 1939. Leahy was relieved by Roosevelt to become the Ambassador to France after Germany occupied Paris and was recalled to active duty when the US entered WWII as Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief.

Jesus Toribio Pinero became the first native born Puerto Rican to become Governor by appointment of the US President in 1946.

Luis Munoz Marin took office as the first elected Governor in 1949 and held it until 1965.

Governors of Puerto Rico have ranged from the mundane to some of the greats in American and Puerto Rican history.

Answer 2

The Head of Government is the President of the United States.

Answer 3

Alejandro García Padilla is the Governor of Puerto Rico.

Answer 4

Luis Fortuno is the current Governor.