Donald Trump vows immediate ban on transgender rights upon taking office

Donald Trump, speaking to young conservatives in Phoenix, Arizona on Dec 22, outlined his plans to implement sweeping policy changes on the first day of his presidency.

He vowed to “stop transgender lunacy” and introduced a set of measures targeting LGBTQ-related policies, immigration, and international issues.

“I will sign executive orders to end child sexual mutilation, remove transgender individuals from the military, and eliminate their influence in elementary, middle, and high schools,” Trump announced during the America Fest conference.

He further promised to “keep men out of women’s sports,” adding, “It will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.”

Addressing immigration and border security, Trump pledged to launch “the largest deportation operation in American history” and to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. “This criminal network operating on American soil will be dismantled, deported, and destroyed,” he said.

During his first term, Trump made a similar promise following the killing of nine American citizens in Mexico but refrained after then-Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador requested otherwise. This time, Trump vowed to act decisively against cartels, emphasizing the urgency of the drug crisis in America.

Panama Canal Controversy

Trump also raised concerns about the operation of the Panama Canal, stating that Panamanian authorities “haven’t treated us fairly.” He criticized the fees for using the canal as “ridiculous” and suggested that if treaty principles are not upheld, the United States would demand the canal's full control “quickly and without question.”

The Panama Canal remains a crucial international trade route, with thousands of ships transiting annually. Trump's remarks reflect his vision of asserting greater U.S. influence over global commerce.

Promises for Peace and Prosperity

Looking beyond domestic policies, Trump pledged to end the war in Ukraine, stabilize the Middle East, and prevent World War III. “On January 20, the United States will turn the page forever on four long, horrible years of failure, incompetence, and national decline,” Trump said, referring to the tenure of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Promising a “new era of peace, prosperity, and national greatness,” he declared, “The golden age of America is upon us.”

While Trump painted an optimistic picture of the future, he has yet to provide detailed plans for resolving international conflicts or executing the significant domestic reforms he has proposed.

Transgender Rights and Legislative Challenges

Transgender issues continue to polarize U.S. politics. Recent moves by Republican-led states to restrict medical treatments and limit the inclusion of LGBTQ topics in educational materials have escalated debates nationwide. Last week, Congress included provisions in the annual defense budget to block funding for some gender-affirming care for the transgender children of service members.

Trump’s stance on transgender rights reflects broader efforts by Republicans to roll back policies introduced under Democratic administrations. The implications of these changes are likely to provoke strong reactions from advocacy groups and opposition parties.

As Trump prepares for his second term, his ambitious agenda has already sparked debates across the country, setting the stage for a contentious and transformative presidency.