Hegseth announces he’s ending Pentagon involvement in Trump initiative empowering women championed by Ivanka Trump and Rubio | CNN Politics

Hegseth's Announcement

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the termination of the Department of Defense's Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) program, labeling it a "woke" Biden initiative despite its origins in a Trump-era law co-sponsored by Marco Rubio and championed by Ivanka Trump.

Criticism and Consequences

Experts like Kathleen McInnis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies deem this decision "bizarre" and warn of significant consequences. They argue that ending the program negatively impacts the recruitment and retention of women in the military, hindering operational effectiveness. McInnis highlights that this was a Trump administration policy and that its implementation has proven to enhance military effectiveness.

• The program's impact extends to providing appropriate body armor for women, access to healthcare, and integrating women's perspectives in policy and equipment development.
• The move contradicts recent statements by Rubio and Ivanka Trump praising the program's significance.

Further Concerns

Kyleanne Hunter, a Marine Corps veteran, points out the program's crucial role in the US military's engagement with allies. She expresses concern about the message this sends to women considering military careers, implying they may be undervalued.

The article concludes by noting that the Pentagon and White House have been contacted for comment, and a spokesperson for Ivanka Trump has yet to respond.