Senate Republican Conference Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., is set to meet with Elbridge “Bridge” Colby, President Trump’s nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, following criticism from MAGA-aligned figures over the weekend.
Cotton, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), has faced pressure after concerns surfaced among senators about Colby’s past comments on Iran’s nuclear capabilities and the U.S. approach to a nuclear Iran. Some members raised issues regarding his stance on the war between Russia and Ukraine, according to a source familiar.
Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk welcomed news of the meeting, telling Fox News Digitalthat he was “very happy” Cotton was engaging with Colby and praising the nominee’s “thoughtful” approach. Kirk also suggested that public and private pressure had played a role, adding that “the base is paying close attention to this confirmation” and warning of political consequences for senators opposing Trump’s personnel choices.
Over the weekend, Cotton became a target of criticism from figures such as Kirk and billionaire White House advisor Elon Musk, who took to X to question the senator’s hesitance to get behind the nominee. Kirk accused Cotton of working “behind the scenes” to block Colby’s confirmation, calling the nominee “one of the most important pieces to stop the Bush/Cheney cabal at DOD.” Musk responded, “Why the opposition to Bridge? What does he think Bridge will do?”
A source familiar with the matter said that Cotton is ensuring all defense nominees align with Trump’s position that Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon and that he will be addressing this in upcoming meetings and hearings.
The White House declined to comment on whether Colby’s stance on a nuclear Iran had changed.
