Hegseth Ends Trump-Signed Women, Peace, and Security Program

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced he was ending the Pentagon's Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, labeling it a 'woke' and 'divisive' initiative associated with the Biden administration. However, the WPS program was actually established under President Donald Trump in 2017 with bipartisan support, including sponsorship from current Trump administration officials such as Kristi Noem and Marco Rubio. The law aimed to promote women's participation in conflict prevention and resolution, and the Trump administration had previously praised its importance. Hegseth now claims the Biden administration 'ruined' the original intent of the program, asserting that his actions target what he calls a distorted version. Critics, including lawmakers and media, quickly pointed out Hegseth's error, noting he cannot unilaterally end a congressionally mandated program and highlighting the broad support the initiative initially received. Hegseth stated the Pentagon will comply only with the minimum legal requirements for WPS and seek to eliminate it in the next budget.