Bipartisan Senators Criticize Pentagon Strategy Briefing

Senators from both parties sharply criticized Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby after a classified briefing that was supposed to cover implementation of the Trump administration’s National Defense Strategy. Lawmakers said Colby offered no opening statement, provided few substantive details, and declined to answer several consequential questions, prompting accusations that he was evasive and unprepared. The briefing also focused heavily on the war with Iran, with Sen. Mark Kelly arguing that the administration’s lack of a clear strategic objective has contributed to uncertainty over military targets and ammunition needs. Senators further expressed concern about reports that President Trump could deploy troops to polling places during the November midterm elections; Colby acknowledged that discussions about using the National Guard were underway. The episode has intensified broader tensions between Congress and the Pentagon over transparency and the administration’s military priorities.