Trump Pledges to ‘Stop Transgender Lunacy’ as a Top Priority in Second Term

President-elect Donald Trump vowed on Sunday to make combating transgender policies a cornerstone of his administration, promising sweeping changes on his first day in office. Addressing young conservatives at AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump declared, “I will sign executive orders to end child sexual mutilation, remove transgender individuals from the military, and keep them out of our elementary, middle, and high schools.”

Trump also pledged to “protect women’s sports” by barring transgender women from participating, stating, “It will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female.” His comments come as Republicans, poised to control both Congress and the White House, intensify efforts to curtail LGBTQ rights nationwide.

A Hardline Stance on Transgender Issues

The debate over transgender rights has become a flashpoint in U.S. politics, with states led by Democrats and Republicans enacting contrasting policies. Republican-led states have restricted gender-affirming care and banned certain books discussing LGBTQ issues in schools, while Democratic states have expanded protections. Just last week, Congress passed a defense budget that includes provisions limiting funding for gender-affirming care for transgender children of military personnel.

Trump’s rhetoric reflects his campaign’s broader focus on reversing progressive policies from President Joe Biden’s term. Framing his presidency as a return to conservative values, he said, “On January 20, the United States will turn the page forever on four long, horrible years of failure and national decline. We will inaugurate a new era of peace, prosperity, and greatness.”

Promises of a ‘Golden Age’ and Foreign Policy Priorities

Trump also outlined ambitious goals for his second term, proclaiming, “The golden age of America is upon us.” He pledged to swiftly end the war in Ukraine, restore stability in the Middle East, and prevent World War III. However, he offered no concrete details on how he intends to achieve these objectives.

Turning his attention to the Panama Canal, Trump criticized Panamanian authorities, claiming they have not treated the U.S. fairly in its operation. Calling current fees “ridiculous,” he warned, “If the principles of the 1970s treaty granting Panama control of the canal are not upheld, we will demand its return to the United States—quickly and without question.” The canal, a critical global trade route, sees thousands of ships transit annually.

Immigration and Cartel Crackdown

Reinforcing his hardline immigration stance, Trump vowed to launch “the largest deportation operation in American history.” He also promised to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, stating, “This criminal network operating on American soil will be dismantled, deported, and destroyed.”

During his first term, Trump had considered labeling Mexican cartels as terrorist groups following the 2019 massacre of nine Americans in Mexico. However, he ultimately relented after Mexico’s then-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador urged him not to proceed.

A Polarizing Vision

Trump’s speech underscored his intent to pursue aggressive policies on multiple fronts, drawing sharp divisions between his supporters and critics. While his promises resonate with his conservative base, they also face strong opposition from progressives and advocacy groups.

As Trump prepares to take office in January, the nation braces for another term defined by bold claims, controversial policies, and an unwavering push to reshape America in his vision.