Vice President J.D. Vance appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee, urging lawmakers to confirm Elbridge Colby to be under secretary of defense for policy at the Department of Defense. Colby, nominated by President Donald Trump, has been a vocal advocate for strengthening the U.S. military’s capabilities and ensuring national security is backed by a robust defense industry.
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 emphasized that Colby understands how economic power underpins military strength. He pointed to the need for a steady supply of essential weapons, such as drones and artillery, to ensure the U.S. can effectively defend itself. According to Vance, Colby has long sounded the alarm on the decline of the country’s defense manufacturing capacity, making his expertise critical at the Pentagon.
In his testimony, Vance recalled discussions with Colby before joining the Trump administration, noting that Colby had accurately predicted many of the challenges now facing U.S. national security. While acknowledging that senators may not agree with Colby on every issue, Vance argued that his forward-thinking approach makes him uniquely qualified for the position.
Beyond policy, Vance highlighted Colby’s ability to work across the political aisle. He described him as someone who is willing to engage in substantive discussions, regardless of party affiliation. Though firmly conservative, Colby has presented views that have at times frustrated both Republicans and Democrats, demonstrating his independence in shaping defense policy.
A key issue Vance raised was the need to overhaul how the Pentagon procures military equipment. He stressed that simply increasing spending is not enough—procurement policies must encourage innovation. The U.S., he argued, cannot rely on outdated strategies when facing adversaries like China, which has a population advantage. Instead, the U.S. must maintain a technological edge by fostering competition and allowing newer defense firms to compete alongside established contractors.
Vance closed by urging senators to approve Colby’s nomination, emphasizing that his leadership would be instrumental in reinforcing U.S. military readiness. As the Trump administration works to realign defense priorities, securing key appointments like Colby’s remains a central focus.
