WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently stirred controversy on social media by claiming to dismantle a Department of Defense program that he described as a misguided initiative of the “woke” Biden administration. However, the program he targeted—the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) initiative—was enacted in 2017 under President Donald Trump, highlighting a significant gap in Hegseth’s understanding of its bipartisan origins and ongoing importance.
In a post on X, Hegseth labeled the WPS program as a creation of feminists and left-leaning activists, asserting that it was largely unwanted among military personnel. This characterization stands in stark contrast to the lawmakers who championed the initiative, including Trump’s own cabinet members, who supported the legislation during its passage. The WPS program is designed to enhance women’s roles in peace and security efforts, particularly in regions where cultural norms restrict male troops from engaging with women directly.
General Dan Caine, the newly appointed chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently commended the program’s beneficial impact during a congressional hearing. He explained that female service members have provided invaluable insights during missions, particularly when interacting with women and children on the ground. “They would help us understand the human terrain in a new and novel way,” Caine remarked.
The historical context of the WPS program traces back to a United Nations resolution from October 2000, which aimed to ensure women’s inclusion in peacebuilding processes. This initiative arose from a recognition that women and girls frequently suffer the most during conflicts while remaining on the margins of decision-making roles. U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric highlighted the program’s success in boosting the presence of female peacekeepers within U.N. missions, which he noted has had measurable benefits for civilian protection.
Hegseth’s remarks have drawn criticism from several Senate Democrats, who have raised concerns about his qualifications for the defense role. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire expressed her concerns, saying, “Hegseth has absolutely no idea what he’s doing,” while Virginia Senator Tim Kaine pointed out multiple inaccuracies in Hegseth’s statements during a recent hearing.
A spokesperson for Hegseth did not respond to inquiries regarding the backlash from his comments. In his post, Hegseth called the WPS program an example of divisiveness that, in his view, burdens military leaders and troops. He indicated that he would comply with Congress’s requirements to maintain the initiative while also seeking to minimize its impact.
Contrary to Hegseth’s portrayal, the WPS program is considered one of the significant achievements of the Trump administration in promoting women’s rights. Ivanka Trump, during her father’s presidency, highlighted the program’s efforts in training female police cadets in Colombia, emphasizing its value and impact on a global scale.
As the debate over the program continues, it remains clear that the Women, Peace, and Security initiative serves as a critical tool in fostering stability and engaging communities, particularly in conflict-affected areas. With lawmakers from both parties having recognized its significance, the future of the program may hinge on continued bipartisan support amid the political tensions surrounding military policy.