Senate Confirms Controversial Trump Pick

Senate Backs Trump’s Bold Pick to Refocus U.S. Defense Policy on the Growing China Threat

In a decisive victory for President Donald Trump’s foreign policy vision, the U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed Elbridge Colby as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy—placing him in the third-highest civilian post at the Pentagon. Colby will now be responsible for guiding all major U.S. defense strategies and advising Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The final vote was 54-45, cutting through establishment resistance and sending a clear message: America is pivoting toward strength and focus in the Indo-Pacific.

Why This Matters: Refocusing the Pentagon on Real Threats Like China

Colby has long warned about the urgent need to shift America’s military priorities away from endless foreign conflicts and toward countering the rise of Communist China. His confirmation marks a sharp departure from decades of globalist military thinking.

But not everyone is happy about that.

Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who has consistently supported sending billions in taxpayer dollars to Ukraine and propping up NATO allies, voted against the nomination—citing concerns that Colby would prioritize China and Taiwan over Ukraine and Europe.

“This isn’t strategy—it’s surrender,” McConnell claimed, referring to Colby’s Indo-Pacific-first policy.

Establishment Pushback Falls Short

Even with opposition from key establishment Republicans, Colby’s nomination pushed forward—thanks in part to bipartisan respect for his qualifications. Several Senate Democrats crossed the aisle, including Armed Services Committee Democrat Jack Reed and swing-state moderates like Sens. Mark Kelly (AZ) and Elissa Slotkin (MI).

Trump’s Vice President, J.D. Vance, introduced Colby during the confirmation hearing, calling him a “smart, loyal public servant who understands what really threatens America.”

Colby Holds the Line on Iran, Israel, and Taiwan

During a grilling from lawmakers, Colby was clear: he supports Israel, views Iran as a serious threat, and believes Taiwan’s defense is critical to U.S. interests.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) pressed him on past statements regarding a nuclear Iran. Colby responded with strength, promising he would present President Trump with credible military options to prevent the regime from acquiring nuclear weapons.

He also clarified that NATO remains important, but must adapt to modern challenges—particularly the growing military aggression from Beijing.

Media and Advocacy Groups Take Notice

The Wall Street Journal recently described Colby as a “lightning rod” in the debate between traditional neoconservatives and the new America First movement led by President Trump.

Meanwhile, some foreign policy advocacy groups raised concerns about Colby’s skepticism toward Obama’s Iran deal and his position that military action must directly serve American interests—not globalist goals.

In a past interview, Colby stated: “If we strike Iran, it better be because it’s necessary for America—not just to look tough.”

A Clear Shift Toward Trump’s America First Military Strategy

With this confirmation, the Pentagon is now firmly aligned with a doctrine that prioritizes deterrence, realism, and national security above globalist entanglements. Elbridge Colby brings deep experience, clear vision, and a commitment to defending the American homeland first.

As Trump reshapes the defense establishment, the message is clear: The days of endless wars and open-ended foreign aid are over.