In his first major address since his electoral victory, US President-elect Donald Trump pledged to bolster the military and pursue peace in the Middle East and Ukraine, marking key priorities for his return to the White House.
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump emphasized his vision for a rejuvenated America. “We need to restore our greatness as a low-tax nation with a powerful military,” he declared. “We’ve done it before, and we will do it again.” He also criticized the extensive US expenditures in Afghanistan over two decades, framing them as a misallocation of resources.
Trump’s commitment to ending conflicts abroad featured prominently in his address. “The wars in the Middle East, Russia, and Ukraine—this has to stop,” he said, underscoring his intent to bring a resolution to these long-standing crises.
The president-elect highlighted recent appointments to his cabinet, signaling his administration’s priorities. Among them, businessman Elon Musk was tapped to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk has been tasked with devising strategies to reduce federal spending, including exploring potential cuts within the Department of Defense.
Trump also showcased his selections for the health, justice, and defense departments, noting their alignment with his vision of fiscal responsibility and robust national security.
Trump’s return to the presidency follows his victory over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in last week’s election, securing him a second term in the White House.
With this renewed mandate, Trump appears poised to focus on domestic economic revitalization and recalibrating US foreign policy. His emphasis on a “powerful military” coupled with efforts to reduce defense spending may signal a shift in how the United States approaches global conflicts.
Critics, however, have questioned the feasibility of balancing a stronger military with proposed federal budget reductions. Trump’s prior presidency saw significant defense investments, raising doubts about how downsizing efforts might align with his stated goals.
Observers also remain cautious about his ability to broker peace in regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East, where complex geopolitical tensions persist. Nonetheless, Trump’s promise to “restore greatness” resonates with his base, eager for a renewed focus on domestic prosperity and a restrained international role.
As he prepares for his inauguration, Trump’s pledges set the tone for a presidency that aims to prioritize strength at home and resolution abroad. Whether these promises translate into policy successes remains to be seen.
