Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the termination of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) program at the Pentagon, a move he describes as undoing a 'social justice/Biden initiative' despite its origination under President Trump's administration. Hegseth criticized the WPS as a United Nations-driven program burdening military commanders and troops, claiming it detracts from their primary focus on war-fighting. Although the program was enacted during Trump's term, it has since been characterized by Hegseth as being distorted by the Biden administration into a divisive initiative. The WPS program, initially supported by Trump and other prominent figures, was intended to empower women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding roles, recognizing their crucial contributions to these efforts. Despite Hegseth's stance, the original WPS strategy highlighted the importance of women's leadership in political and civic life to achieve lasting peace and stability worldwide.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has terminated the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) program at the Pentagon, labeling it a 'social justice/Biden initiative' that distracts from military core tasks.

The WPS program, originated under the Trump administration in 2017, was designed to empower women in preventing conflict, countering terrorism, and building peace, but Hegseth claimed it was distorted by the Biden administration.

The program was initially supported by various Trump administration figures, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who co-sponsored the WPS Act.

Hegseth's decision has raised eyebrows as the WPS program was considered a significant achievement within Trump's administration, aimed at increasing women's meaningful leadership in post-conflict peacebuilding.

Despite his opposition, the WPS strategy was praised for recognizing women's roles as agents of change and their importance in successful peace negotiations, as studies have shown that their involvement leads to lasting stability.

The WPS Act, which originated from a United Nations Security Council Resolution in 2000, marked the U.S. as the first country to adopt a comprehensive approach to this agenda, highlighting its international significance.

The White House has not commented on Hegseth's actions, and there remains a divide on the program's value and implementation between past and present administrations.