Hegseth Ends Trump-era Women, Peace and Security Program

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the cancellation of the Pentagon's Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, labeling it a 'woke' and divisive initiative, despite the fact that it was bipartisan legislation signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2017 and championed by several current Trump administration officials. Hegseth claimed the program was a United Nations initiative promoted by feminists and left-wing activists, but the WPS Act was actually intended to enhance the role of women in national security and conflict resolution, and was widely credited for improving U.S. military outcomes abroad. The move triggered swift bipartisan criticism, with lawmakers and military leaders highlighting that the program was originally passed without controversy and had been praised by Trump appointees. Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently testified that the WPS program helped troops better understand local populations in conflict zones. Critics argue that Hegseth’s decision reflects a broader effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at the Pentagon. Hegseth asserted that the department would now execute only the legal minimum required by statute and would seek to end the program entirely in the next budget cycle.