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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently declared the termination of the Defense Department’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) program, a move he characterized as a direct consequence of the Biden administration’s policies. This initiative, initially instituted during President Donald Trump’s administration and advocated by Ivanka Trump, was designed to enhance women’s roles in global security matters and was grounded in legislation co-sponsored by Senator Marco Rubio.
Experts are warning that this decision could have profound implications for women’s representation in the military and affect the U.S. military’s objectives internationally.
“This morning, I proudly ENDED the ‘Women, Peace & Security’ (WPS) program inside the @DeptofDefense. WPS is yet another woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative that overburdens our commanders and troops — distracting from our core task: WAR-FIGHTING,” Hegseth stated.
Hegseth went on to describe the program as a United Nations initiative driven by feminist and left-leaning activists, declaring that his department would comply with statutory requirements for WPS but seek to eliminate it from future budgets.
In a follow-up post, he appeared to temper his original remarks, claiming that while WPS began with a focus on security in 2017, it was “RUINED” under Biden’s administration.
Rubio recently expressed a contrasting perspective on the program, highlighting its significance during the International Women of Courage Awards, emphasizing its status as a pioneering act aimed at safeguarding women and advancing their societal roles.
Ivanka Trump previously praised the initiative’s impact, announcing Colombia’s commitment to establishing a WPS National Action Plan.
“@POTUS signed into law Women, Peace and Security, making the United States the 1st country in the world to enact #WPS legislation,” she tweeted in 2019.
The details regarding the program’s termination remain unclear, especially since Hegseth acknowledged compliance with mandatory aspects of the WPS. Kathleen McInnis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies labeled Hegseth’s decision as “bizarre,” questioning his characterization of the program as a “woke…-Biden initiative.”
McInnis further emphasized that the ending of Pentagon involvement in WPS could greatly hinder the U.S. military’s ability to attract and retain a diverse force, particularly as the military’s demographic profile evolves.
‘This is Trump 45 policy’
“This is Trump 45 policy,” she noted, reaffirming the program’s essential role in military effectiveness and its initial authorization under Trump.
Former President Trump had signed the Women, Peace, and Security Act in 2017, recognizing the critical role of women in conflict prevention and resolution. McInnis emphasized that the act has facilitated U.S. engagement with key allies to build necessary relationships ahead of potential conflicts.
While advocating for women’s inclusion within military ranks, McInnis pointed out that excluding women from peace processes undermines national security objectives.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was instrumental in sponsoring the WPS initiative during her time in the House, a point that underscores bipartisan support for the program.
Concerns have emerged regarding the potential implications of Hegseth’s announcement. Kyleanne Hunter, a veteran and national security authority, described the WPS initiative as a vital component of U.S. military collaboration with international allies.
“This reflects a misunderstanding…suggesting that this was about placing women in unsuitable roles, which is simply untrue,” Hunter asserted.
The program has also addressed practical needs, such as the development of appropriate body armor for women and ensuring equitable healthcare access within the military structure, adjusting to the rising enrollment of women.
A 2023 Pentagon demographic report revealed a steady increase in female personnel among enlisted and officer ranks, indicating a growing trend of women in military service.
While the ramifications of Hegseth’s actions are still unfolding, Hunter warned that prospective female recruits might perceive this shift as devaluing their contributions and capabilities within the military and national security sectors.
“These aren’t woke policies harming anyone; they recognize the necessity for a supportive environment that fosters high-caliber forces,” she concluded.
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