WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans on Tuesday to dismantle the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) program, a government initiative established during the Trump administration aimed at enhancing women’s roles in diplomatic and national security efforts. The legislation creating the program was crafted by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, then a member of the House, and co-sponsored by Secretary of State Marco Rubio when he served in the Senate.
Hegseth characterized the program as a distraction that undermines the military’s focus on core operations, describing it as “another woke initiative” that complicates the responsibilities of military personnel. He criticized the program’s origins, framing it as a product of “feminists and left-wing activists,” despite its bipartisan backing when it was introduced.
While moving to terminate the WPS initiative, Hegseth indicated that the Department of Defense would adhere to the legal requirements dictated by the existing statute for the time being. He stated that efforts would continue to eliminate the program in future budget considerations. His remarks included a dismissive “GOOD RIDDANCE WPS!”
The WPS initiative was signed into law by former President Trump in 2017, which mandated collaborative efforts from the departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security. This legislation aimed to ensure women’s inclusion in peace processes and conflict resolution. The initiative gained momentum with the release of a formal strategy in 2019, which outlined specific steps to support women’s engagement in mitigating and resolving conflicts.
Both Noem and Rubio, who played significant roles in the program’s establishment, have not indicated any plans to eliminate the WPS efforts within their respective departments. During a recent State Department event, Rubio reaffirmed the significance of the legislation, noting its landmark status as the first comprehensive law aimed at promoting women’s safety and participation globally.
Critics of Hegseth’s move, including advocates for women’s rights, view the dismantling of the program as a setback in efforts to support women’s involvement in international peace and security initiatives. The program has been lauded for drawing attention to the necessity of including women’s perspectives in conflict negotiations, a principle increasingly recognized by global leaders.
As the situation develops, the Pentagon has been pointedly silent beyond Hegseth’s public statements, leaving questions regarding the administration’s long-term goals for women’s roles in national security. The reactions from the Departments of Homeland Security, State, and the White House remain awaited as stakeholders and advocates closely monitor the evolving discourse surrounding the WPS initiative.