United States President-elect Donald Trump addressed thousands of enthusiastic supporters in Phoenix, Arizona on Sunday. The event marked his first public rally since his election victory in November this year.
For over 75 minutes, Trump celebrated his return to power, tested a message of national unity, and struck his usual combative tone on both foreign and domestic issues.
Here are the key highlights:
Trump balances unity message with trademark aggressiveness
Trump’s speech combined familiar rhetoric with a call for unity. Declaring his win over Vice President Kamala Harris a “landslide,” Trump emphasised a renewed sense of national pride, saying, “There’s a spirit we have now that we didn’t have just a short while ago.”
He extended an olive branch to Democrats, remarking, “We want to try bringing everybody together. We’re going to try. We’re going to really give it a shot”, according to Associated Press (AP).
Despite these conciliatory notes, much of the speech stuck to Trump’s characteristic style, including quips about being “ripped off” by foreign nations and a false claim that he, not President Joe Biden, won the 2020 election.
Tough talk on Panama Canal
Trump targeted the Panama Canal as a new point of contention in his “America First” agenda. He criticised Panama for “unfair” shipping fees and floated the idea of regaining control of the canal, which the US relinquished to Panama in 1999.
Trump blamed former President Jimmy Carter for the decision, calling it “foolish.”
“If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America,” Trump declared.
Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino, rejected the notion outright, stating, “Every square metre of the canal belongs to Panama and will remain so.” Mulino, a conservative leader who often aligns with Trump, defended the fee structure as necessary for maintaining the canal’s operations and sovereignty.
On Elon Musk as President
Addressing rumours of his growing influence, Trump dismissed the idea that he had ceded authority to billionaire Elon Musk. Referring to suggestions from Democrats, Trump said, “No, no. That’s not happening. He’s not gonna be president.”
Musk’s recent social media posts had helped derail a bipartisan budget deal, contributing to tensions in Washington. Trump has empowered Musk by appointing him as co-chair of a commission focused on reducing federal spending, but his remarks signalled that Musk’s rising profile won’t overshadow Trump’s authority.
Avoids tariffs and budget controversy
Trump steered clear of discussing the Washington budget fight, which had seen him fail to convince House Republicans to raise the national debt ceiling. Instead, he focused on broader economic goals and avoided providing specifics about his proposed tariffs, a key element of his platform.
Celebrates Republican gains across demographics
Trump highlighted the Republican Party’s broadened coalition, thanking ‘Turning Point USA’ for their efforts to mobilise younger voters, Hispanics, and Black voters. “You had Turning Point’s grassroots armies,” Trump said, adding, “It’s not my victory, it’s your victory.”
The rally reinforced Trump’s popularity among conservatives while signalling his continued reliance on a mix of fiery rhetoric and grassroots mobilisation to achieve his policy goals.
(with inputs from AP)
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