Donald Trump, during his triumphant return to the national stage, laid out sweeping proposals on key issues, including the controversial Panama Canal, LGBTQ rights, and drug crises as he moves toward his upcoming administration. Speaking at the Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest held in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 22, 2023, Trump proclaimed the dawn of what he described as the "Golden Age of America." This bold declaration was met with exuberant applause from supporters, signaling alignment and unity within the Republican party, even as recent congressional clashes revealed underlying tensions.
At his rally, Trump took aim at the Panama Canal, of which he claimed, "We’re being ripped off at the Panama Canal." He criticized the rising fees imposed on shippers and suggested the channel should be returned to the United States if Panama failed to uphold the principles outlined during the treaty of 1977. This treaty, signed under President Jimmy Carter, saw the U.S. relinquish control of the canal to Panama on December 31, 1999. Trump asserted, "If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture are not followed, then we will demand... the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, quickly and without question."
Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino, fiercely rejected Trump's comments, stating, "Every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to belong to our country." Mulino emphasized the tariffs were determined by expert assessments of operational and demand-related costs, implying the fees were justified. The canal remains pivotal to Panama's economy, generating approximately one-fifth of the government's annual revenue.
Turning to social issues, Trump articulated his intent to focus on transgender policies, pledging to "stop the transgender lunacy" on day one of his presidency. He promised to enact executive orders targeting gender-related policies believed to harm children. Among those, he stated intentions to "end child sexual mutilation" and "get transgender out of the military and out of our elementary schools and middle schools and high schools." His rhetoric reaffirmed the view held by many conservatives advocating for traditional gender definitions, as he declared it would be the official policy of the U.S. government to recognize only "two genders, male and female." This stance, echoing sentiments of many GOP lawmakers, aims to solidify conservative bases both politically and socially.
Trump underscored the need to confront issues of crime, particularly emphasizing his vow to initiate "the largest deportation operation in American history." His future administration is set to identify drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, with immediate action against migrant crime as part of his executive agenda. "This criminal network operating on American soil will be dismantled, deported, and destroyed," he asserted, reiteratively blaming migrants from Latin America for exacerbated drug problems within the United States.
During his address, Trump revealed plans to launch anti-drug campaigns aimed at showcasing the physical devastation caused by drugs like fentanyl. He stated he would dedicate resources toward advertising the consequences of substance abuse, which is projected to kill 50,000 to 60,000 Americans annually. Drawing comparisons to the "Just Say No" campaign of the 1980s led by former First Lady Nancy Reagan, Trump appeared resolute about addressing the drug epidemic head-on.
The event showcased Trump's strategies for regaining control of the narrative within the Republican party, emphasizing his leadership and his alignment with grassroots movements such as Turning Point USA. The organization has previously been credited with mobilizing support among younger voters and those who have leaned Democratic, aiming for broader Republican outreach. Trump’s assertion of victory, stating, "It’s not my victory, it’s your victory," indicates recognition of this coalition's role, strengthening his ties to the conservative base.
Citing past failures of the Biden administration, Trump clarified his intention to reverse four years of what he referred to as "national decline." He asserted, "On January 20, the United States will turn the page forever on four long years of failure, incompetence, and national decline," envisioning sweeping changes intended to restore American leadership globally.
While Trump’s comments have fortified support among conservatives, they also invite scrutiny and potential backlash from those who view these policies as regressive. Critics are likely to challenge the practicality of his aggressive claims, particularly concerning the Panama Canal and border security measures aimed directly at contentious social issues.
Trump’s proposed actions not only reflect his previous administration’s strategy but also echo the growing political volatility surrounding cultural issues within the United States. How these proposals will play out once he assumes office remains to be seen, yet for now, the narrative is tightly knit around reinforcing traditional values and reclaiming American control—both domestically and internationally.
