Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell has expressed his views on the nomination of Elbridge Colby for the position of Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in Washington, D.C. McConnell's statement outlines concerns regarding the strategic direction Colby might advocate.

"Preparing to deter or defeat an historic alignment of adversaries must be the top priority for the United States and the West." He stressed the importance of recognizing interconnected threats and called for timely investments in national defense. McConnell warned that delaying these investments could complicate efforts to restore credibility, military capability, and industrial capacity.

McConnell pointed to Colby's public record, which he believes discounts the complexity of challenges facing the U.S. and undervalues the role of allies and partners. McConnell criticized Colby’s strategic prioritization as a return to an Obama-era strategy which he described as "a la carte geostrategy." He was particularly concerned about the approach of shifting focus away from Ukraine, Europe, and the Middle East in favor of the Indo-Pacific, describing it as "geostrategic self-harm."

According to McConnell, the confirmation of Colby might lead to a scenario where isolationist approaches are promoted within the administration. He expressed concern about potential damage to alliances and partnerships, which he views as crucial for U.S. leadership.

"As I have expressed repeatedly, I remain committed to supporting national security nominees whose records and views make them assets, not liabilities, in the restoration of U.S. hard power." McConnell emphasized the need for Colby to develop policies aligned with U.S. interests across Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific, while appreciating the vital role of allies in this effort.

McConnell concluded by stating, "Make no mistake: America will not be made great again by those who are content to manage our decline."