President-elect Donald Trump pledged swift action on conservative priorities, including what he called ending "transgender lunacy," on the first day of his second term. Speaking at an event for young conservatives in Phoenix, Arizona, Trump promised to sign executive orders addressing several LGBTQ-related issues, which remain a focal point of contention in U.S. politics.
“I will sign executive orders to end child sexual mutilation, get transgender out of the military, and out of our elementary, middle, and high schools,” Trump said at the AmericaFest conference. He also vowed to implement policies to “keep men out of women’s sports” and reiterated that "there are only two genders, male and female."
With Republicans set to control both chambers of Congress and the White House, Trump’s remarks align with ongoing GOP efforts to challenge LGBTQ rights. Last week, Congress passed a defense budget that included a provision blocking funding for gender-affirming care for transgender children of military service members.
Trump also outlined his broader vision for his presidency, touching on domestic and foreign policy. He promised to “end the war in Ukraine,” address instability in the Middle East, and prevent a potential global conflict, pledging to bring about "peace, prosperity, and national greatness."
During his speech, following his 2024 election victory, Trump also vowed to restore U.S. control of the Panama Canal, accusing Panama of mismanaging the strategic waterway. “If the principles behind the 1970s treaty are not followed, then we will demand it be returned to the United States quickly and without question,” he said, though details of his plan remain unclear.
Trump’s comments on transgender policies, foreign relations, and the Panama Canal underscore his focus on conservative values and his intent to reverse what he described as four years of national decline under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.