The Heritage Foundation has strongly endorsed Elbridge Colby's nomination for Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, hailing him as a leading defense strategist. In a memo, the foundation praised Colby's influence on defense policy, emphasizing his focus on aligning the Department of Defense's activities with core American interests. They criticized past defense strategies that diverted resources and personnel towards operations like peacekeeping and nation-building in regions with limited relevance to U.S. security.

However, Colby's nomination has encountered resistance from some MAGA Republicans due to his realist foreign policy stance, particularly his view on Iran's nuclear capabilities. This has reportedly raised concerns for Senator Tom Cotton, a member of the Armed Services Committee, which will conduct an initial vote on the nomination. Despite this, Heritage maintains that Colby is the ideal candidate to execute President Trump's and Secretary Hegseth's defense policies, ensuring responsible allocation of resources and personnel against significant threats.

Heritage highlighted the fact that the current acting Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, Alex Velez-Green, previously served as a policy advisor for their Center for National Defense. Prominent figures like JD Vance have also voiced support for Colby, commending his foresight in past foreign policy debates and his realist approach.

Colby, who served in the Pentagon during Trump's first term, advocates for shifting U.S. focus from the Middle East to China, which he considers a more substantial threat. Senator Roger Wicker, Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, acknowledged concerns among several senators regarding Colby's nomination. Colby played a key role in developing the 2018 U.S. National Security Strategy. Donald Trump Jr. has lauded Colby's focus on American interests over abstract global concepts. Conversely, Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, has accused Senator Cotton of attempting to obstruct the nomination.

Elon Musk also questioned the opposition to Colby, prompting discussions about his potential actions if confirmed. Senator Cotton is expected to meet with Colby before deciding his vote.