Pete Hegseth ends Women, Peace and Security program signed by Trump

In April 2025, Pete Hegseth, the Defense Secretary of the United States, publicly announced the termination of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) program which was established by legislation signed by President Donald Trump in 2017. This program was aimed at recognizing and promoting the crucial role women play in achieving security, especially in conflict situations. Hegseth's assertion that the program was a 'woke' initiative, aligning it with Democratic policies, contradicted its bipartisan support and the positive impact noted by military leaders, including the new Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Dan Caine. The Women, Peace and Security Act was not an initiative of the Biden administration, as suggested by Hegseth, but was celebrated during Trump’s presidency. It emerged from a United Nations resolution that called for women’s inclusion in peace processes, highlighting their importance in conflict resolution and community stability. When the program was operational, military officials reported its success in aiding local engagements, where female soldiers interacted with women and children in conflict zones, thus enhancing cultural understanding and operational effectiveness. Following Hegseth's announcement, immediate criticism arose from Democratic lawmakers who questioned not only his statement's accuracy but also his overall competence as Defense Secretary. His comments were cited as a sign of ignorance regarding the program’s bipartisan origins and operational benefits. Figures such as Senator Tim Kaine and Senator Jeanne Shaheen asserted that Hegseth's remarks were not befitting of a high-ranking Defense official. In his social media posts, Hegseth claimed that the WPS program burdened military personnel and distracted them from essential tasks, labeling it merely a social justice initiative. In subsequent remarks, he attempted to clarify his stance, stating that the Biden administration had altered the WPS initiative from its original security-focused intent. Despite criticism, he vowed to continue working to dismantle what he viewed as an undesired program, indicating a significant shift in the approach to military and gender-related initiatives under his leadership.