Trump defense pick Elbridge Colby confirmed despite Mitch McConnell opposition
President Trump’s nominee for a top Pentagon position, Elbridge Colby, has been confirmed by the Senate in a bipartisan vote, despite some concerns among Republicans over his views on Iran and Ukraine. Colby, 45, received a 54-45 vote to become the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, with three Democrats crossing party lines to support him.
Colby, a close friend of Vice President JD Vance, is now the third-ranking Pentagon official. He will be responsible for briefing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, implementing Trump’s National Security Strategy, and developing Defense Planning Guidance for military programs and policy matters. In the past, Colby was the architect of the 2018 National Defense Strategy, which shifted the US military focus towards China.
Some Republicans, including Senator Mitch McConnell, expressed concerns about Colby’s views on Iran and Ukraine. McConnell criticized Colby for downplaying the threat from Iran and prioritizing the Indo-Pacific over Ukraine and Europe. Colby, however, assured senators during his confirmation hearing that he recognizes the existential danger posed by a nuclear-armed Iran and would advise using military alternatives to address the threat.
President Trump has announced a meeting between US and Iranian officials in an effort to avoid military conflict. Meanwhile, Colby has advocated for reducing US military aid to Ukraine in order to address the growing threats from China. McConnell, who initially supported Colby’s nomination but ultimately voted against him, has received criticism for his stance on Ukraine and Russia.
Despite the concerns raised by some Republicans, Colby’s confirmation reflects bipartisan support for his role as the Pentagon’s top policy leader. As he takes on this new position, Colby will face the challenges of navigating US foreign policy in a complex global landscape.
