Vance Visits Capitol Hill to Urge Senators to Confirm Elbridge Colby for Pentagon No. 3 Post

Vice President JD Vance made a noteworthy appearance on Capitol Hill as he threw his weight behind Elbridge "Bridge" Colby, President Donald Trump’s controversial pick for undersecretary of defense for policy, the Pentagon's No. 3 position. Vance referred to Colby as his "friend" and extolled his foresight and candor during Colby's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

In his opening remarks, Vance described Colby as a visionary, stating, "In 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." That’s one way to sell someone as a crystal-ball reader for defense policy, right?

Vance also praised Colby for his ability to navigate both sides of the aisle, saying, "If you look at his long career in defense policy, he has said things that, you know, frankly, alienated Democrats and Republicans. He's also said things that I think both Democrats and Republicans would agree with." He added that Colby is a "good man" and an "honest man"—the kind of person who doesn’t shy away from tough truths. Sounds like the kind of guy you’d both want at a policy table and maybe at trivia night.

The White House appears to be pulling out all the stops to secure Colby’s confirmation, especially given his more restrained approach to defense policy, which has raised eyebrows among hawkish lawmakers. This marks the second confirmation hearing Vance has attended, following his support for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick—another close ally.

In his own opening remarks, Colby emphasized the risks of war and the importance of preparation: "There is a real risk of major war, and we cannot afford to lose one. I recognize these realities in my bones. It is my great 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." Colby also stressed his willingness to adapt his views based on sound arguments while reaffirming his commitment to alliances and the interests of the U.S.

During the hearing, Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker pressed Colby on his past statement that "America has a strong interest in defending Taiwan, but Americans can survive without it." Wicker suggested that Colby’s position on Taiwan had softened, but Colby countered, arguing that his stance had been consistent and that his earlier comment was meant to highlight the U.S.’ declining military balance with China. He called for stronger preparation and greater contributions from allies like Taiwan and Japan.

Sen. Jack Reed, the committee’s top Democrat, quizzed Colby on his stance regarding Russia and Ukraine. Colby reaffirmed his moral support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia but declined to comment further, citing the delicate nature of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Sen. Kristen Gillibrand followed up by asking whether Russia was an "adversary" or "ally" of the U.S. Colby’s response was measured but clear: "Russia presents a significant military threat to Europe, and there are significant military threats to the homeland as well. We can diminish the potential for direct confrontation with Russia in the same way with China."

Colby’s philosophy of focusing U.S. resources on countering China, rather than overextending in other regions like the Middle East, has drawn criticism from some, particularly Iran hawks. At least one senator, Tom Cotton, has privately expressed skepticism about his nomination. Despite these hurdles, Colby’s authorship of the 2018 U.S. National Security Strategy and his prior work at the Pentagon may bolster his case.

Whether Colby’s restrained but pragmatic approach to defense policy will win over enough senators remains to be seen. For now, his confirmation process is shaping up to be anything but a smooth ride.