PHOENIX — President-elect Donald Trump delivered his first rally speech in Arizona on Sunday, marking his first public address after securing his victory in the November election. The rally, which attracted thousands of his supporters, offered key insights into his upcoming presidency and his approach to both domestic and foreign affairs.
Trump’s speech lasted approximately 75 minutes and featured many of the hallmarks that have become synonymous with his political rhetoric. He reiterated his belief that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, despite the absence of substantial evidence to support these claims. However, he also extended a message of unity, asserting that he was committed to bringing the country together following his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump reflected on the absence of riots and unrest, contrasting his electoral win with those of previous years. He further emphasized the “spirit” in the country that he believes is now stronger than ever, despite contentious years of political division.
Beyond his well-known campaign slogan “Make America Great Again,” Trump focused on his “America First” policy framework. This concept, which has resonated deeply with his supporters, critiques foreign aid and U.S. military interventions abroad while advocating for tariffs on imported goods to protect American jobs. On Sunday, he introduced a new international target: Panama. Trump proposed that the U.S. should regain control of the Panama Canal if Panama does not adjust its passage fees, which he described as unfair. He harshly criticized former President Jimmy Carter for relinquishing U.S. control of the canal in the 1970s, suggesting that such a decision was a significant mistake.
The statement drew immediate backlash from Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino, who rejected Trump’s remarks as an infringement on his country’s sovereignty. In keeping with his recent pattern of challenging foreign leaders, Trump also mocked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, calling him the “governor” of Canada in a remark that his supporters found humorous. However, critics see this as indicative of Trump’s tendency to undermine foreign governments to exert leverage on the global stage.
Throughout the speech, Trump also addressed his critics, including Democrats and public figures like Elon Musk, denying suggestions that Musk might play a more significant role in his administration. He rejected the idea of a power-sharing arrangement and emphasized that he would remain the central figure in his administration.
Notably, Trump did not discuss his economic policies in detail, including the role of tariffs or their potential effect on consumer prices in the U.S. His brief mentions of these issues were overshadowed by a focus on electoral success and international policy. The rally’s emphasis on unity and Trump’s vision for his presidency signals a campaign likely focused on solidifying his base while positioning himself as a champion for American interests both domestically and abroad.
For more on Trump’s political agenda, visit Politico.
