McConnell Teams Up with Democrats to Oppose Elbridge Colby’s Confirmation as Defense Nominee – One America News Network
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
2:32 PM – Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Former Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has aligned with Democrats to oppose Elbridge Colby, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
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On Tuesday, the Senate voted 54 to 45 to confirm Colby, with McConnell (R-Ky.) being the sole Republican to dissent.
In his statement regarding his vote, McConnell cautioned about the potential “geostrategic self-harm” that could arise from adopting Colby’s proposed policies.
“The approach proposed by Mr. Colby, presented as innovative and urgently needed, is actually reminiscent of an Obama-era perspective on selective geostrategy. Neglecting Ukraine and Europe while prioritizing the Indo-Pacific is not a wise geopolitical strategy,” McConnell stated.
“This self-harm in geostrategy empowers our adversaries and creates divisions that our foes could exploit,” he emphasized.
McConnell expressed concern that Colby’s confirmation would permit proponents of restraint at the Pentagon to jeopardize the alliances that bolster U.S. influence and leadership.
“It promotes isolationist distortions of peace through strength at the upper levels of policy decision-making,” he argued.
He reaffirmed his dedication to endorsing national security nominees who are assets rather than liabilities in enhancing U.S. military power.
“Let it be clear: America’s greatness cannot be restored by those who are satisfied with managing our decline,” he cautioned.
Three Democrats—Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.)—joined in support of Colby’s confirmation.
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