Vice President J.D. Vance took the floor at the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivering a strong endorsement of Elbridge Colby to be under secretary of defense for policy. Vance framed Colby as a vital part of President Donald Trump’s push to restore the U.S. military’s operational strength after years of neglect and mismanagement.
Vance pointed to Colby’s expertise in national security, particularly his focus on the connection between economic strength and military readiness. He warned that America’s ability to fight wars is only as strong as its defense industry, which has suffered from production slowdowns and reliance on foreign suppliers. Colby, Vance said, has been one of the loudest voices advocating for rebuilding the country’s defense manufacturing capacity.
Vice President @JDVance introduces Elbridge Colby to the Senate Armed Services Committee to become the 3rd highest ranking official at the DOD:
"Bridge predicted what we would be talking about 4 years down the road, 5 years down the road, 10 years down the road. He saw around… pic.twitter.com/Ueg0oRiRBl
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) March 4, 2025
Looking ahead, Vance noted that Colby has a track record of anticipating global security shifts before they reach crisis levels. His strategic insights, Vance argued, will help the Pentagon stay ahead of emerging threats rather than merely reacting to them.
Another key point in Vance’s remarks was Colby’s willingness to engage with lawmakers across the political spectrum. While a Trump nominee, Colby is not a partisan figure—he has challenged both Republicans and Democrats when necessary. Vance said this independence is precisely what the Pentagon needs as it navigates complex defense challenges.
Vance also underscored the need for a smarter approach to military spending. Instead of blindly increasing budgets, he called for reforms that would open up Pentagon contracts to newer, more innovative defense companies. The goal, he said, is not just more spending but smarter investments in cutting-edge military technology.
Ending his remarks, Vance urged the Senate to confirm Colby, arguing that his leadership will be instrumental in reorienting the Pentagon’s priorities. The Trump administration’s defense strategy, he said, hinges on placing the right people in key roles—making Colby’s confirmation an essential step toward rebuilding military strength.
