### Hegseth's Controversial Move: Ending a Trump-Signed Program for Women in Security - In a surprising turn of events, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the dismantling of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, which was originally signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2017. Hegseth labeled the initiative as "woke," claiming it distracted from the military's core mission of war-fighting. This decision has sparked significant backlash, particularly as it inadvertently criticized key Republican figures, including Kristi Noem and Marco Rubio, who had previously supported the program [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14662029/pete-hegseth-roasts-kristi-noem-marco-rubio-woke-pentagon-program]. ### Breakdown of Hegseth's Actions and Reactions 1. **Announcement of Program Termination**: Hegseth publicly declared the end of the WPS program, asserting it was a distraction from military objectives [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/29/us/politics/pete-hegseth-women-peace-security.html]. 2. **Misattribution of Program Origins**: Despite the program's origins under the Trump administration, Hegseth attributed its "wokeness" to former President Joe Biden, indicating a misunderstanding of its bipartisan support [https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/04/29/hegseth-ends-trump-program]. 3. **Support from Military Leadership**: General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, previously testified that the WPS program had been beneficial for troops in combat situations, contradicting Hegseth's claims [https://fortune.com/2025/04/30/defense-secretary-hegseth-brags-about-ending-woke-program-on-women-and-security-that-trump-signed-into-law]. 4. **Political Backlash**: The decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, highlighting the potential political ramifications for Hegseth and the current administration [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/29/nation/hegseth-trump-women-peace-security-program]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Program Impact**: The WPS program was designed to enhance women's roles in peace-building and conflict resolution, with claims of advancing women's economic empowerment [https://www.axios.com/2025/04/29/hegseth-pentagon-program-women]. - **Public Sentiment**: Hegseth's announcement has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the move as a step away from "woke" policies, while others criticize it as a loss for gender equality in national security [https://www.startribune.com/hegseth-boasts-about-ending-woke-program-on-women-and-security-that-trump-had-signed-into-law/601341643]. ### Conclusion: Implications of Hegseth's Decision - **Major Findings**: 1. **Misunderstanding of Program Origins**: Hegseth's termination of the WPS program reflects a significant misunderstanding of its bipartisan roots and benefits [https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/hegseth-guts-trump-law-women-peace-security-act-1235327865]. 2. **Political Fallout**: The backlash from both political allies and opponents may have long-term implications for Hegseth's standing within the Republican Party [https://www.nypost.com/2025/04/29/us-news/hegseth-vows-to-kill-first-term-trump-program-promoting-women-in-national-security-claims-biden-made-it-woke]. 3. **Impact on Women in Security**: The dismantling of the WPS program could hinder progress in promoting women's roles in national security, a goal that has seen bipartisan support in the past [https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/04/29/breaking-news/hegseth-ends-trump-era-womens-security-program-calls-it-woke]. In summary, Hegseth's decision to end the WPS program not only raises questions about the future of women's roles in national security but also highlights the complexities of political narratives surrounding military initiatives.