Don’t let the media twist this story. Here’s the truth.
Washington, D.C. – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Tuesday that the Department of Defense is shutting down a controversial Obama-Biden-era program many conservatives see as a prime example of “woke military overreach.”
“This morning, I proudly ENDED the ‘Women, Peace & Security’ (WPS) program inside the Pentagon,” Hegseth posted on X. “It’s yet another Biden-backed, UN-driven, feminist initiative that burdens our troops and distracts from their real mission: warfighting.”
A Biden-Era Woke Distraction in Uniform
Originally signed into law under President Trump in 2017, the Women, Peace & Security Act was designed to involve more women in overseas conflict resolution. But under President Biden, the initiative was transformed into a full-blown diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) operation.
Hegseth slammed the current version of the program as a “UN feminist agenda” and said troops on the ground have no tolerance for what he called “social justice distractions.”
“Our soldiers don’t want more woke bureaucracy,” Hegseth said. “They want to train, fight, and win. That’s it.”
Following the Law — But Just Barely
Because the WPS initiative is codified in federal law, the Pentagon cannot entirely eliminate it without congressional approval. However, Hegseth made it clear that the Defense Department will do the bare minimum required by statute — and nothing more.
He also confirmed plans to fight for a full repeal of the law in upcoming defense appropriations.
Democrats Cry Foul as Conservatives Cheer
Democrats were quick to criticize the move. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) accused Hegseth of “weakening our global standing,” and Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL) called it “reckless and dangerous.”
But many conservatives see Hegseth’s action as a much-needed correction to a Pentagon that has spent years prioritizing politics over performance.
Hegseth’s Broader Push to De-Woke the Military
Hegseth has become a key player in President Trump’s effort to restore traditional values to the military. Since taking office, he has:
- Ended identity-based commemorations like Black History Month in military settings
- Ordered the removal of radical left-wing books from military academies
- Demanded the identification of all DEI-related content in Army and Air Force libraries
These moves are part of a broader campaign to remove far-left ideology from America’s armed forces and bring back mission-first military leadership.
“The Pentagon is not a place for gender theory and social experiments,” Hegseth said. “We’re returning to a military that knows how to fight — and win.”
Bottom Line: As President Trump’s administration continues to restore accountability and strength to America’s defense institutions, Pete Hegseth is leading the charge against the creeping influence of woke ideology in the ranks.