Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) is reportedly engaged in behind-the-scenes efforts to impede the confirmation of Elbridge Colby for a significant position at the Department of Defense. Colby, nominated by former President Donald Trump in December, was set to serve as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, working alongside Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.
In Trump’s official announcement, he described Elbridge “Bridge” Colby as a “highly respected advocate for our America First foreign and defense policy.” Trump expressed confidence that Colby would collaborate closely with Pete Hegseth to revitalize U.S. military strength, embodying the principle of “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump highlighted Colby’s previous service at the Pentagon, where he led efforts on the groundbreaking 2018 Defense strategy, and praised Colby as a Harvard and Yale alumnus, underscoring his credentials for advancing Trump’s agenda to “Make America Great Again.”
I am profoundly honored by and grateful to President @realdonaldtrump for nominating me to serve as his Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. If confirmed by the Senate, it would be an exceptional privilege to work with @petehegseth and his team to implement President Trump’s… https://t.co/tC4DIzzlqo
— Elbridge Colby (@ElbridgeColby) December 22, 2024
During Trump’s first administration, Colby held the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy and Force Development, where he contributed significantly to defense strategies. Despite these credentials, the confirmation process for Colby’s new role has encountered obstacles, reportedly due to Senator Cotton’s interventions.
Charlie Kirk, CEO of Turning Point USA, publicly expressed concern over Cotton’s actions, framing them as a betrayal of Trump’s vision for the Department of Defense. Kirk accused Cotton of actively working to sabotage the confirmation process in a social media post, asserting that “The effort to undermine President Trump continues in the US Senate. Sen. Tom Cotton is working behind the scenes to stop Trump’s pick, Elbridge Colby, from getting confirmed at DOD.”
Conservative figures, including notable personalities like Elon Musk, have responded to these allegations against Senator Cotton. Kirk emphasized Colby’s pivotal role as a strategic architect to counteract the influence of what he referred to as the “Bush/Cheney cabal at DOD,” questioning Cotton’s motivations by asking, “Why is Tom Cotton doing this?”
Why the opposition to Bridge? What does he think Bridge will do?
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 16, 2025
In parallel, Ben Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Semafor, reported that Senator Cotton is firmly opposing any policy stance that might imply acceptance of a nuclear-armed Iran. This perspective is reportedly associated with Elbridge Colby. Sources close to Cotton bolster this narrative, emphasizing his staunch opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and his proactive stance in addressing these concerns with the White House. As a source close to Cotton articulates, “Senator Cotton disagrees, opposes Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and is addressing his policy concerns with the White House.”
Here are two reasons. pic.twitter.com/laXp2HYsTS
— Phenomenology (@BerryRazi) February 16, 2025
In these unfolding developments, The Gateway Pundit has sought comment from Senator Cotton’s office, seeking clarity on his motives and potential implications for Trump’s policy initiatives, as supported by Colby.