Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Ends Women, Peace, and Security Program Despite Bipartisan Support
Hegseth dismisses WPS as a ‘woke’ initiative, facing backlash despite its bipartisan origins and proven benefits highlighted by military officials.
The program has been celebrated by Trump, his administration and his family.
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Hegseth's tenure so far has been defined by efforts to purge mentions of women and minorities from the DoD’s websites, and accidentally texting sensitive attack plans to journalists.
Hegseth's Anti-'Woke' Crusade Kills an Initiative Trump Supported
Rolling Stone·3d·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.LeftThis outlet favors left-wing views.
WPS is yet another woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative that overburdens our commanders and troops — distracting from our core task: WAR-FIGHTING.
Pete Hegseth says he will end a Trump-backed Pentagon program for women
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While Hegseth in his post called the program “yet another woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative that overburdens our commanders and troops” and pledged to do the bare minimum required by Congress to maintain it while working to eliminate it altogether, the program has been celebrated by Trump, his administration and his family.
Hegseth boasts about ending ‘woke’ program on women and security that Trump had signed into law
Boston Herald·3d·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.Hegseth has absolutely no idea what he’s doing.
Hegseth boasts about ending 'woke' program on women and security that Trump had signed into law
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The decision is raising some eyebrows as the initiative was established during Trump’s first administration when he signed the Women, Peace and Security Act in 2017, making the United States the first country in the world to codify standalone legislation on the matter.
Pete Hegseth scraps Pentagon’s Women, Peace and Security program citing DEI
The Guardian·3d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
The beleaguered and hapless Pentagon chief apparently hasn’t gotten it together yet.
Hegseth targets ‘Women, Peace and Security’ program championed by Trump, Noem and Rubio
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Though it’s unclear what practical impact Hegseth’s move will have — it could signal to women considering a role in the military and broader national security apparatus throughout government that they won’t be valued, Hunter said.
CNN·3d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
The program has been celebrated by Trump, his administration and his family.
Hegseth Boasts About Ending 'Woke' Program on Women and Security That Trump Had Signed Into Law
Newsmax·3d·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
Summary
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth proclaimed the termination of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, labeling it a ‘woke initiative.’ This decision, however, contradicts its bipartisan origins in Trump’s administration, with military leaders advocating for its benefits. Senate Democrats criticized Hegseth's claims, emphasizing that the program has notably aided in conflict environments by allowing female officers to engage with local women and children. The program, aimed at enhancing women's roles in security efforts, was co-authored by prominent Republicans and celebrated internationally for its impact since its inception in 2017.
Perspectives
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's decision to dismantle the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) program has sparked criticism as it was initiated under the Trump administration, highlighting the bipartisan support it once had.
While Hegseth refers to WPS as a 'woke initiative', many experts and former officials emphasize its importance in military operations and its positive impact on recruiting and retaining female service members.
The reversal of the program may undermine efforts to include women in peace processes, which is supported by extensive research indicating that their participation leads to more durable peace agreements.
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