Now that the damage is done though, I find it difficult to believe that you can't release the US as your puppet. Do you have all the territories required? And what is your political stance? (Social Liberal, Aut Dem, Nat. Populist?)
Yes conquered Hawaii just to make sure. I was Aut Dem at the time but I switched to Social Conservative and still no good. Does the USA Government in Exile have to fire before I can release it?