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Senior Pentagon official calls Trump's policy 'not recipe for isolation' but 'common sense' approach

IANS April 16, 2025 328 views

A senior Pentagon official, Elbridge Colby, has strongly defended Donald Trump's defense strategy as a pragmatic approach rather than an isolationist policy. Colby, recently confirmed as Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, argues that Trump's America First strategy prioritizes national interests and provides a sustainable long-term security framework. His endorsement comes with a specific recommendation to realign US military focus more toward potential Chinese challenges. The statement signals a potential strategic shift in how the United States might approach international military commitments and alliances.

"This isn't a recipe for isolation. Instead, it's the common-sense approach." - Elbridge Colby"
Washington, April 16: A senior Pentagon official described US President Donald Trump's defence policy as "not a recipe for isolation" but a "common sense" approach amid lingering concerns about the potential impact of Trump's America First policy on US alliances and partnerships.

Key Points

1

Pentagon official endorses Trump's defense strategy as forward-thinking

2

Colby advocates adjusting US military focus toward China threats

3

America First policy aims to restore peace through national strength

4

Senate confirms Colby as Under Secretary of Defence for Policy

New Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Elbridge Colby made the remarks in a social media post on the day after he was sworn in by Vice President J.D. Vance last Wednesday to carry out a key role to flesh out America's defence strategy.

"This isn't a recipe for isolation. Instead, it's the common-sense approach. If we had continued on the old path, disaster would have been the result," Colby wrote on X, referring to Trump's defence policy.

"That is why President Trump's approach is so vital. His is a strategy that puts Americans' interests first and will restore peace through strength -- not just for a few years, but for decades to come," he added.

Trump has been hammering away at his America First policy, which many anticipated might be geared toward curtailing the United States' overseas military involvement and putting pressure on allies and partners to undertake greater security responsibilities -- a reason why some called it a strain of isolationism.

Last Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Colby for the Pentagon's No. 3 position, Yonhap news agency reported.

Colby has advocated for an adjustment of US Forces Korea's (USFK) role to focus more on threats from China.

During an interview with Yonhap News Agency last year, he noted the need for a USFK overhaul to make it "more relevant" to handling China-related contingencies rather than being held "hostage" to countering North Korean challenges.

Colby served as deputy assistant secretary of defence for strategy and force development from 2017-2018 during the first Trump administration.

Reader Comments

M
Mark T.
Finally some common sense in defense policy! We've been overextended for too long. Putting American interests first isn't isolationism - it's responsible leadership. 🇺🇸
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Sarah L.
I'm concerned about the shift in USFK's focus. North Korea remains an immediate threat - shouldn't we maintain strong deterrence there while ALSO addressing China?
J
James P.
Colby knows what he's talking about. Served under Trump before and understands the need for strategic focus. China is the long-term challenge we need to prepare for.
A
Angela R.
The term "isolationism" gets thrown around too much. Asking allies to carry their fair share isn't isolation - it's partnership. Europe and Asia need to step up their defense spending.
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Tom K.
While I agree we need to focus on China, I worry this approach might alienate long-standing allies. There's a balance between self-interest and maintaining strong alliances.
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Lisa M.
Peace through strength worked during the Cold War. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Glad to see this administration returning to proven strategies.

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Tags:
Trump Defense Policy Pentagon Elbridge Colby America First US Foreign Policy Military Strategy
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