Overview

• Elbridge Colby was confirmed as the Pentagon's Under Secretary of Defense for Policy following a 54-45 Senate vote, with three Democrats joining most Republicans in support.
• Senator Mitch McConnell was the sole Republican to oppose Colby, citing concerns about prioritizing the Indo-Pacific over Europe, Ukraine, and the Middle East.
• Colby, a key architect of the 2018 National Defense Strategy, is expected to advance President Trump’s America First agenda, focusing on countering China.
• Vice President JD Vance criticized McConnell's dissent as 'political pettiness,' highlighting divisions within the Republican Party on defense policy.
• Colby’s confirmation follows intense scrutiny of his past remarks on U.S. alliances, Iran, and defense strategy, which drew skepticism from both parties.