Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a full-throated defense of Elbridge Colby’s nomination to be under secretary of defense for policy at the Department of Defense. Vance framed Colby as a critical figure in the Trump administration’s effort to rebuild a military that has been strained by years of misplaced priorities.
According to Vance, Colby brings a necessary understanding of how economic and military strength are interconnected. Without a strong industrial base producing ammunition, advanced weapons, and essential defense materials, the U.S. risks falling behind. Vance credited Colby with recognizing these challenges early and pushing for reforms to revitalize the country’s defense production.
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
Vance also underscored Colby’s ability to anticipate future threats, noting that years before today’s geopolitical tensions, Colby was already warning about the risks the U.S. now faces. He acknowledged that not all lawmakers would agree with Colby’s positions but insisted that his long-term strategic vision makes him an asset to national security planning.
Beyond policy, Vance painted Colby as a principled figure with a track record of engaging with both sides of the political spectrum. While aligned with Trump’s defense vision, Colby has shown a willingness to challenge conventional thinking, something Vance believes is essential in a Pentagon leadership role.
One of Vance’s main points was the need to reform the way the Department of Defense buys military equipment. He argued that it’s not enough to allocate more money—procurement policies must ensure that both major defense firms and smaller innovators can contribute. This, he said, is the best way for the U.S. to maintain an advantage over adversaries who rely on sheer numbers rather than technological superiority.
Vance concluded by calling on senators to approve Colby’s nomination, stressing that his leadership would play a key role in strengthening U.S. military capabilities. The Trump administration continues its efforts to refocus defense priorities, and securing top personnel remains a crucial step in that process.
