Transgender issues have been at the heart of US politics in recent years, as Democratic and Republican-controlled states have moved in opposite directions on policy.
The Republicans, who are set to control both the Senate and the House of Representatives, have repeatedly said they intend to dismantle Biden-era discrimination laws.
“We’re going to stop woke,” Mr Trump, 78, said, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion programmes in schools, institutions and businesses, as the audience roared in applause.
Throughout his presidential campaign, the president-elect lashed out repeatedly at transgender people in his speeches, ads and policy plans.
The Republican party spent nearly $215 million (£170m) on anti-trans advertisements this election cycle, according to data released by Ad Impact. One ad attacked Kamala Harris’s pro-trans stance, saying the Democrat is “for they/them – not you”.
Widespread backlash
Mr Trump’s official website lists 20 core priorities, including a promise to “cut federal funding for any school pushing…radical gender ideology.”
His campaign and election victory have helped reinforce a widespread backlash against trans rights. Just before Americans went to the polls, an AP survey found that 55 per cent of US voters felt the government’s support for transgender rights had gone too far.
But anti-trans momentum has been growing for several years, with Republican states enacting dozens of laws restricting trans people’s options for medical care, sports participation and public restroom access.
In November, US defence sources said Mr Trump would use an executive order to remove all transgender members of the US military from their posts, which would see thousands of personnel dismissed.
