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Pentagon Ends Women, Peace & Security Program in Controversial Move

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth halts Trump-era initiative, sparking bipartisan criticism and concerns over national security impacts.

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President Donald Trump signed the Pentagon’s “Women, Peace and Security” program into law in 2017 during his first term to increase the involvement of women in conflict resolution. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth derided the initiative in a post on X, however, blaming the measure on former President Joe Biden and describing it as a distraction from the Department of Defense’s mission. (AP/Alex Brandon)
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Overview

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the termination of the Women, Peace & Security (WPS) program, labeling it a 'woke' initiative despite its bipartisan origins under President Trump in 2017.
  • The WPS Act, inspired by a 2000 U.N. resolution, was designed to integrate women into conflict prevention and resolution efforts, with military leaders crediting it for improved operational outcomes.
  • Hegseth stated the Pentagon would comply with the program's legal minimum requirements while seeking its full defunding in the next budget cycle.
  • The decision has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers, military officials, and U.N. representatives, who argue the program strengthens U.S. security and global standing.
  • Key Trump administration figures, including Marco Rubio and Kristi Noem, who championed the WPS legislation, have yet to publicly comment on Hegseth’s move.