Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized Sen. Mitch McConnell for voting against Elbridge Colby, Trump’s nominee for top Pentagon policy strategist.
McConnell was the only Republican to oppose Colby, sparking backlash from Vance and other conservatives.
Vance called McConnell’s vote “political pettiness,” while others labeled McConnell a “traitor” and demanded new GOP leadership. Colby, confirmed 54–45, supports shifting U.S. defense focus to Asia due to China’s rise.
McConnell argued Colby’s approach could harm U.S. alliances but provided little evidence. He also indirectly rebuked Trump over Ukraine, asserting Russia was solely to blame for the war.
McConnell warned that denying this fact is “embarrassing” and weakens U.S. credibility. His comments came after Trump claimed Ukraine provoked the war and labeled Zelensky a “dictator.”
