On Tuesday, Vice President J.D. Vance presented a compelling argument for why Elbridge Colby is the ideal candidate to serve as the Trump administration’s under secretary of defense for policy. Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Vance praised Colby as a strategic thinker who grasps the complexities of global affairs and recognizes the importance of strengthening America’s industrial base to maintain global peace. Colby previously served as the deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy and force development during the first Trump administration.
“I think Bridge, more than any person I’ve ever spoken to, appreciates that military power, national security influence, is downstream of economic power,” Vance said. “As we’ve seen in so many of the conflicts that we’ve engaged ourselves in over the last 30 or 40 years, we cannot fight wars unless our troops have the ammunition they need. We cannot defend our own national security unless we have the … advanced weapons systems that are necessary to actually fight battles when — God forbid — those battles are necessary to fight.”
The under secretary of defense for policy plays a crucial role in implementing the White House’s policy priorities within the Pentagon. According to the Congressional Research Service, the position’s office “leads the development of the National Defense Strategy (NDS), routinely represents the Department of Defense (DOD) to interagency and international partners, and has a key role in preserving civilian control of the military.”
Vance highlighted Colby’s ability to anticipate future global challenges, stating, “[I]n so many ways, Bridge predicted what we would be talking about four years down the road, five years down the road, ten years down the road. He saw around corners that very few other people were seeing around. I think that he’s the type of perspective that we need so desperately at the Department of Defense, and I think that his role at the Department of Defense will be incredibly important in seeing around the corners of the next five years, and the next 10 years … .”
Colby’s nomination has drawn significant attention in recent weeks, with reports indicating that several GOP senators remain undecided about his confirmation. Among those reportedly hesitant is Tom Cotton of Arkansas.
In his opening statement, Colby acknowledged the “real risk of major war” globally and expressed hope “that we can get through the coming years peacefully, with strength in ways that put us and our alliances on a stronger and more sustainable footing.” He also pledged to engage with those who disagree with him, stating, “I am willing and ready to engage with those who disagree with me and adapt my views based on persuasive arguments and the facts.”
Colby emphasized his commitment to the nation and its alliances, saying, “I value our alliances deeply, even as I think they must be adapted, and … I love our great country, and will put its interests first and foremost.”
