Trump Vows To End ‘Transgender Lunacy’ And Usher In A ‘Golden Age’ In Second Term.
American President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to take decisive action on transgender issues and other key policies as he prepares to assume office. Speaking at an event for young conservatives in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday, Trump promised sweeping changes, declaring his intent to “stop the transgender lunacy” on his first day in office.
Trump outlined a series of executive orders targeting transgender rights. “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,” he said. He also vowed to “keep men out of women’s sports,” asserting that his administration would establish an “official policy” recognising only two genders: male and female.
The president-elect’s remarks reflect a broader Republican agenda to challenge LGBTQ rights, as the party prepares to control the White House and both chambers of Congress.
Promising a New Era
Addressing the AmericaFest conference in Arizona, a state he won in the November election, Trump painted a grim picture of the last four years under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. He pledged to restore American greatness, promising a “new era of peace, prosperity, and national greatness.”
“On January 20, the United States will turn the page forever on four long, horrible years of failure, incompetence, and national decline,” Trump declared.
He also promised ambitious foreign policy goals, including ending the war in Ukraine, stabilising the Middle East, and preventing a potential World War III. “I can proudly proclaim that the golden age of America is upon us,” Trump stated, though he did not provide specific details on how these objectives would be achieved.
Focus on the Panama Canal
In a surprising turn, Trump reignited discussions about the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of unfair treatment in its operation. He criticised the fees for using the canal as “ridiculous” and suggested the possibility of demanding its return to the United States if the terms of the 1970s treaty granting Panama full control are not upheld.
“Panamanians haven’t treated us fairly,” Trump said. “If the principles of the treaty are not followed, we will demand the canal be returned to the United States in full, quickly and without question.”
The canal, which is critical to global trade, sees thousands of ships pass through annually, highlighting its significance to the US and international commerce. However, Trump’s comments left it unclear whether he plans to exert pressure on Panama beyond rhetoric.
Trump’s speech comes amid ongoing political debates over transgender rights in the United States. While some states have expanded LGBTQ protections, others have implemented restrictions on gender-affirming care and education.
Last week, the US Congress approved its annual defence budget, which included a provision to block funding for certain gender-affirming treatments for the transgender children of service members.
As Trump prepares for his second term, his policies on LGBTQ rights and foreign affairs are expected to remain key points of contention. His rhetoric signals a continuation of his combative style, promising bold actions that appeal to his conservative base while provoking significant debate across the nation and beyond.
