President-elect Donald Trump has made a strong promise to address LGBTQ issues, declaring in Phoenix, Arizona that he will stop "transgender madness" on the first day of his presidency. During a speech to young conservatives, Trump said he would sign executive orders to stop the "sexual mutilation of children," to remove transgender issues from the US military and education systems.
"I will sign executive orders to stop the sexualization of children, to remove transgender issues from the military, elementary schools, middle schools and high schools," Trump said. He also added that he would "keep men out of women's sports," noting that it will be official US government policy that there are only two genders, male and female.
Trump used the stage of the "AmericaFest" conference, held in a border state he easily won in November's election, to make another promise: immediate action against "migrant crimes."
Transgender issues and political debate
Trump's statements reflect an escalation of tensions over LGBTQ rights in the United States, as states controlled by Democrats and Republicans have pursued opposing policies on medical treatment and books dealing with the issue.
In a recent development, the US Congress passed the annual defense budget including a provision to block health care funding for transgender children of military service members.
"Golden Age" (according to Trump)
Trump used his speech as a moment of triumph, making big promises for his second term and sharply criticizing four years of the Biden-Harris administration. "On January 20, the United States will finally turn the page from four long, terrible years of failure, incompetence and national decline," he said, adding that a "new era of peace, prosperity and national greatness" will start.
Trump also promised to end the war in Ukraine and stop the chaos in the Middle East. "I will stop World War III," he said, adding: "America's Golden Age Approaches."
Despite his upbeat tone, Trump has yet to spell out exactly how he plans to resolve the war in Ukraine or bring peace to the Middle East. He also took aim at Panamanian authorities, stating that they "have not treated us fairly" in operating the Panama Canal and that the fees for using it are "unreasonable."
With that, it seems that Trump is preparing for another dramatic chapter in American politics.
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