Eisenhower Announces Approval of Alaska Statehood and Urges Congress to Admit Hawaii (1958)

Date: July 7, 1958

Created By: Anne Wheaton

Original or Replica: Original

Era: Alaska & Hawaii Statehood, The Presidency

Collection: Eisenhower Presidential Library

Citations: DDE’s Records as President, Official File, Box 630, OF 147-D Alaska (4); NAID #12012407

In this July 7, 1958 White House statement, President Dwight D. Eisenhower announces his approval of H.R. 7999, legislation providing for the admission of Alaska into the Union. While expressing satisfaction with Congress’s action on Alaska, Eisenhower also voices strong disappointment that lawmakers had not taken similar action on pending legislation for Hawaii statehood. He emphasizes that his previous messages to Congress had supported both territories and states his belief that Hawaii was equally qualified for admission. Eisenhower specifically recognizes the loyalty and patriotism of Hawaiians, including their experiences during World War II and the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The statement also addresses the national defense implications of Alaska’s transition to statehood. Under authority provided by the Alaska Statehood Act, Eisenhower could make special withdrawals of land to ensure that national defense requirements remained protected. He therefore directed the Secretary of Defense to review military needs in Alaska and recommend whether that authority should be exercised. The document demonstrates Eisenhower’s support for expanding the Union to include both Alaska and Hawaii while also showing how national security considerations influenced the implementation of Alaska statehood.