Hegseth Ripped For Going After Trump Program

Hegseth's Decision to End Women, Peace and Security Program

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Tuesday, April 29, that he is terminating the "Women, Peace, and Security" (WPS) program, a first-term initiative introduced by President Donald Trump and initially championed by his eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump. 
Pete criticized the program, claiming it had been "turned woke" under former President Joe Biden's administration. In a tweet to X, he expressed frustration with the program, calling it a product of "feminists and left-wing activists" and stating that it distracted from the military's primary goal of "war-fighting."
"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," he stated. 

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Hegseth's Criticism of the WPS Initiative

Pete Hegseth's tweet further read, "WPS is yet another woke divisive/social justice/Biden initiative that overburdens our commanders and troops — distracting from our core task: WAR-FIGHTING." 
He went on to say that the program was a "UNITED NATIONS program pushed by feminists and left-wing activists," adding, "Politicians fawn over it; troops HATE it." 
According to Pete, the Department of Defense would fulfill only the minimum requirements needed by law to keep the program alive, but it would aim to end it in the next budget cycle.

Clarification and Backlash

Pete Hegseth's tweet was met with a community note clarifying that the WPS program was initially created under President Donald Trump's first term (2017 to 2021). 
The program aimed to promote greater involvement of women in efforts to prevent conflicts globally. This initiative was even praised by members of Trump's cabinet, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had been active in supporting the legislation that brought the program to life.
Marco, a former Senator, celebrated the program, saying, "President Trump also signed the Women, Peace, and Security Act, a bill that I was very proud to have been a co-sponsor of when I was in the Senate."
He noted that it was "the first comprehensive law passed in any country in the world — the first law passed by any country anywhere in the world — focused on protecting women and promoting their participation in society."

Hegseth's Attempt to Walk Back Criticism

In a later tweet, Pete Hegseth attempted to clarify his remarks, claiming that Joe Biden's administration had "distorted & weaponized" the original intent of the WPS program. 
He continued, "So — yes — we are ending the 'woke divisive/social justice/Biden (WPS) initiative.' Biden ruined EVERYTHING, including 'Women, Peace & Security.'" 
Despite his criticism, Pete's actions raised eyebrows, as the program had been supported by key figures within Donald Trump's current presidency.

Reactions

Pete Hegseth's comments sparked significant discussion, with some pushing back on his rhetoric. 
POLITICO's Dave Brown pointed out that Marco Rubio had recently praised the program, highlighting his role in supporting it just weeks earlier.  
Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois also shared a post from Ivanka Trump praising the WPS initiative, which further highlighted the inconsistency in Pete's stance. 
As the Defense Secretary faces mounting criticism over his recent controversies, including reports about sharing war plans in unsecured Signal chats, these developments will likely just add to the scrutiny surrounding his leadership.