US President-elect Donald Trump addressed thousands of enthusiastic supporters in Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday. The event was his first public rally since his election victory in November this year.
For more than 75 minutes, Trump celebrated his return to power, tested his message of national unity and struck a typically combative tone on domestic and foreign issues.
Here are the main highlights:
Trump balances message of unity with trademark offensiveness
Trump’s speech combined familiar rhetoric with calls for unity. Trump claimed a “landslide” victory over Vice President Kamala Harris and underscored new national pride, saying: “We have a spirit now that we didn’t have not that long ago.”
He extended an olive branch to Democrats, saying, “We want to try to bring everyone together. We’re going to try. We’re going to really try,” according to Associated Press (AP).
Despite the conciliatory remarks, much of the speech stuck to typical Trump style, including mocking himself for being “ripped off” by foreign countries and falsely claiming that he, not President Joe Biden, won the 2020 election.
Difficult conversations about the Panama Canal
Trump targets Panama Canal becoming a new point of contention in his “America First” agenda. He criticized Panama’s shipping rates as “unfair” and floated the idea of regaining control of the canal, which the United States gave to Panama in 1999.
Trump criticized former President Jimmy Carter’s decision, calling it “stupid.”
“If the moral and legal principles of this generous gesture of donation are not adhered to, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America,” Trump declared.
Panamanian President José Raul Mulino, a frequent Trump ally, flatly rejected the idea, saying: “Every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to be so.” Conservative leader, he argued that the toll structure was necessary to maintain the canal’s operation and sovereignty.
Musk becomes president
Responding to rumors about his growing influence, Trump dismissed suggestions that he had ceded power to billionaire Elon Musk. Referring to the Democrats’ suggestion, Trump said: “No, no. That’s not happening. He’s not going to be president.
Musk’s recent social media posts derailed a bipartisan budget agreement and heightened tensions in Washington. Trump has given Musk power by naming him co-chairman of a committee focused on cutting federal spending, but his comments suggest Musk’s rising profile will not overshadow Trump’s authority.
Avoid tariffs and budget disputes
Trump has avoided discussing the budget battle in Washington as he has failed to convince House Republicans to raise the national debt ceiling. Instead, he focused on broader economic goals and avoided providing specific details about his proposed tariffs, a key element of his platform.
Celebrating Republican Demographic Progress
Trump highlighted the Republican Party’s expanded coalition and thanked Turning Point USA for its efforts to mobilize young voters, Hispanic and black voters. “You have the grassroots troops of ‘Turning Point,'” Trump said. “This is not my victory, it is your victory.”
The rally bolstered Trump’s popularity among conservatives while demonstrating that he will continue to rely on fiery rhetoric and grassroots mobilization to achieve his policy goals.
(With input from The Associated Press)
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