President-elect Donald Trump vowed on Sunday to “stop the transgender lunacy” on the first day of his presidency, as part of his ongoing push against LGBTQ rights. Speaking at an event for young conservatives in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump promised to take executive actions aimed at limiting transgender rights, including ending what he referred to as “child sexual mutilation,” removing transgender individuals from the military, and banning transgender students from elementary, middle, and high schools. He also pledged to prevent transgender women from competing in women’s sports and announced that the official policy of the U.S. government under his administration would recognize only two genders: male and female.
Trump’s remarks were part of a broader address in which he outlined his vision for a second term, including measures to curb “migrant crime,” designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, and reassert U.S. control over the Panama Canal, which he has previously criticized for its management by Panama. He also promised to quickly end the war in Ukraine and resolve conflicts in the Middle East, stating that his administration would prevent World War III.
Transgender issues have become a polarizing topic in U.S. politics, with states and lawmakers divided on policies regarding medical treatment and education. Recently, Congress included a provision in the defense budget that blocks funding for gender-affirming care for transgender children of military personnel.
During his speech, Trump also painted a bleak picture of the past four years under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, calling them a time of “failure” and “national decline,” and promised to usher in a new era of “peace, prosperity, and national greatness” starting January 20, his inauguration day.
Additionally, Trump reiterated his plans to initiate “the largest deportation operation in American history” and vowed to dismantle drug cartels, which he plans to designate as foreign terrorist organizations. He said that his administration would work to address what he calls the “criminal network” operating on U.S. soil and vowed to “destroy” it.
While Trump’s proposals have generated controversy, his vision for his second term continues to energize his base as he prepares for his return to office.
