President-elect Donald Trump vowed on Sunday to take immediate action against transgender rights and other policies, pledging to “stop the transgender lunacy” as part of his agenda for his first day in office. Speaking at a young conservatives event in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump said he would sign executive orders to end gender-affirming care for minors, ban transgender individuals from serving in the military, and prohibit transgender students in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Trump also promised to ensure that “there are only two genders, male and female,” and to prevent men from competing in women’s sports. The comments reflect the continued push by Republicans to curb LGBTQ rights, which has become a central issue in U.S. politics.
The speech, delivered at the AmericaFest conference, was part of a broader outline of his second-term policies. Trump also discussed measures to address migrant crime, vowed to label drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, and reiterated his desire to regain control over the Panama Canal, which he claimed Panama has “not treated us fairly.”
In his speech, Trump criticized President Joe Biden’s administration, calling the past four years a period of “failure, incompetence, and national decline.” He promised that his presidency would usher in a “golden age” of peace, prosperity, and national greatness.
While Trump provided few specifics on how he plans to end the war in Ukraine or resolve the Middle East crisis, he emphasized his intention to bring swift changes, including initiating the “largest deportation operation in American history” and designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations. This was a vow he had made during his first term but backed down from after requests from the Mexican government.
Trump also doubled down on his stance on the Panama Canal, suggesting that if Panama does not adhere to the terms of the 1970s treaty that granted them full control, the U.S. would demand its return. He further criticized the fees for the canal’s use, calling them “ridiculous” and pledging to act on the issue during his second term.
These bold promises come as Trump continues to position himself as a fierce advocate for conservative values, with the LGBTQ rights debate at the forefront of his platform.
