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Defense Secretary Ends Controversial Women, Peace, Security Program

4/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has abruptly ended the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, a move that has sparked outrage among Democrats who argue it diminishes America's influence worldwide. Launched in 2017 under President Trump, the initiative sought to empower women in peacekeeping and conflict resolution, but Hegseth labeled it as divisive despite its bipartisan backing.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has abruptly ended the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, a move that has sparked outrage among Democrats who argue it diminishes America's influence worldwide. Launched in 2017 under President Trump, the initiative sought to empower women in peacekeeping and conflict resolution, but Hegseth labeled it as divisive despite its bipartisan backing.