Elbridge Colby Pentagon decisions are rattling the Trump team and key allies. From halting Ukraine missile aid to upending AUKUS, here are 7 major moves creating friction inside U.S. foreign policy.
Table of Contents
Elbridge Colby Pentagon Moves Spark Global Backlash and Internal Confusion
The Elbridge Colby Pentagon era under Trump 2.0 has begun with shockwaves, both at home and abroad. Since stepping in as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Colby has issued a string of controversial orders that have caught U.S. allies, Trump loyalists, and even key cabinet members off guard.
These moves aren’t just missteps — they reveal a deeper shift in U.S. global posture. From halting weapon deliveries to Ukraine to challenging the UK’s Indo-Pacific operations, Colby’s actions have redefined how the Pentagon is operating in 2025.
Here’s a breakdown of the most critical decisions reshaping current U.S. defense strategy.
1. Elbridge Colby Pentagon Shocker: Ukraine Missile Aid Halted
Last week, Colby halted shipments of air defense missiles to Ukraine — without clear approval from President Trump. Trump later reversed the order, saying he didn’t authorize the decision, a sign of internal miscommunication. This added fuel to concerns about Pentagon overreach.
Read how Trump’s PSLF rule change also blindsided officials.
2. Indo-Pacific Allies Dismissed: “Call Back the Carrier”
During a June meeting with British defense leaders, Colby bluntly questioned their planned carrier deployment to Asia, reportedly saying, “Is it too late to call it back?” The comment left British officials stunned, suggesting the U.S. no longer welcomes allied presence in the Indo-Pacific.
3. Elbridge Colby Pentagon Pushes Japan Too Far
In spring talks, Colby demanded Japan spend 5% of its GDP on defense, far beyond the expected 3%. The abrupt shift caused outrage in Tokyo, disrupted planned diplomatic meetings, and triggered domestic political concerns during an election cycle.
4. AUKUS Pact Thrown into Question
Colby ordered an internal review of the AUKUS submarine agreement with Australia and the UK — without informing the State Department. Diplomats were left scrambling, told to claim they had no knowledge of any review. The lack of coordination exposed major cracks in the administration’s communication structure.
5. Rising Friction with the National Security Council
Officials within the NSC and State Department have privately described Colby as “rogue” and “difficult to work with.” A former U.S. official even said: “Who is this guy?”, reflecting deep frustration with his go-it-alone style.
6. Congressional Concerns Over Colby’s Foreign Policy Approach
House Armed Services Ranking Member Rep. Adam Smith called Colby’s ideology dangerous, suggesting he shares authoritarian leanings with Putin and Xi. GOP aides have also questioned whether his moves weaken Trump’s position globally.
7. Colby’s Loyal Circle Inside the Pentagon
Despite criticism, Colby is backed by key Trump-aligned figures inside the Pentagon, including Alex Velez-Green and Katherine Thompson. They support his hardline stance and see him as executing Trump’s America First strategy without compromise.
Elbridge Colby Pentagon Influence Still Rising
Whether his decisions are reckless or strategic depends on who you ask. What’s clear is that Elbridge Colby’s Pentagon is acting fast, disrupting traditional alliances and challenging the internal balance of power. As the 2025 foreign policy stage unfolds, Colby’s name will remain central and controversial.