PHOENIX – President-elect Donald Trump outlined sweeping plans for his second term on Dec 22 at a conservative conference in Arizona, promising executive action against transgender policies, migrant crime, and cartel operations, while threatening a reclamation of the Panama Canal from Panamanian control.
Addressing the Turning Point USA AmericaFest conference, Trump pledged to “stop the transgender lunacy” on his first day in office, targeting policies on gender-affirming care, school inclusion, and military service. “It will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female,” he declared.
Push Against LGBTQ Policies
Trump vowed to end what he described as “child sexual mutilation,” referring to gender-affirming medical procedures, and reiterated his commitment to barring transgender individuals from sports and the military. His stance aligns with Republican-led efforts to restrict LGBTQ rights, including measures to defund some gender-affirming care in the recently passed defense budget.
Sweeping Immigration and Border Promises
With a focus on immigration, Trump announced plans for “the largest deportation operation in American history” and pledged to designate Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. He called for dismantling cartel networks “operating on American soil” and promised swift action to secure the border.
Controversial Remarks on Panama Canal Control
In one of the most striking moments of his speech, Trump criticized Panama’s handling of the Panama Canal, calling its fees “ridiculous” and threatening to demand the canal’s return to U.S. control if Panamanian authorities fail to meet what he described as fair terms. “We will demand it be returned to the United States in full, quickly and without question,” he said.
Promises of Peace and Prosperity
Declaring that the “golden age of America is upon us,” Trump painted an optimistic vision for his administration while criticizing the Biden-Harris presidency. He vowed to end the war in Ukraine, bring peace to the Middle East, and prevent World War III, though he provided no details on how these goals would be achieved.
Republican Control and Political Momentum
With Republicans set to control both chambers of Congress, Trump’s address set the stage for an aggressive policy agenda aimed at reshaping U.S. domestic and foreign policies. The Phoenix event, held in a state he won decisively in the November election, reinforced his dominance among conservative voters as he prepares for a return to the White House.
Trump’s remarks, heavy with promises and criticism, offered a preview of his forthcoming administration, signaling bold shifts in national policy and governance.