President-elect Donald Trump pledged to take swift action on his first day in office, vowing to “stop the transgender lunacy” and implement executive orders aimed at limiting LGBTQ rights in the United States.
Speaking at a rally for young conservatives in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump committed to signing orders to restrict transgender rights, including banning transgender individuals from serving in the military and preventing gender-affirming care for children.
“I will sign executive orders to end child sexual mutilation, get transgender out of the military and out of our elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools,” Trump declared, further vowing to “keep men out of women’s sports” and affirming that “there are only two genders, male and female,” which he stated would become the official policy of the U.S. government.
Trump’s remarks come as LGBTQ issues remain a contentious topic in American politics.
Republican-controlled states, along with certain federal initiatives, have increasingly moved to curtail transgender rights, especially concerning access to gender-affirming care and participation in sports.
The most recent controversy occurred when the U.S. Congress passed a defense budget that blocks funding for some gender-affirming care for transgender children of military personnel.
In his speech, Trump also expanded on other major policy proposals, including a promise to “end the war in Ukraine” and resolve instability in the Middle East.
He also addressed his administration’s stance on immigration, reiterating plans for what he called “the largest deportation operation in American history” and a vow to designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.
“I will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States in full, quickly and without question,” Trump said, referencing tensions with Panama over the operation of the canal, which has been under Panamanian control since the 1970s.
Trump’s address to the AmericaFest conference marked a moment of celebration following his victory over President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
He presented his vision for the next four years, promising a “golden age” for America, characterized by national strength, economic prosperity, and military might.
As he prepares for his second term, Trump’s proposals reflect his ongoing commitment to conservative values, particularly in relation to immigration, LGBTQ rights, and foreign policy.
His promises, however, are sure to ignite further debate across the political spectrum, as his presidency begins with the backing of both Republican-controlled chambers of Congress and the White House.