A top Pentagon official has defended former President Donald Trump’s defence policy, calling it a “common-sense” approach rather than a move toward isolationism. Elbridge Colby, the newly sworn-in Under Secretary of Defence for Policy, emphasized that Trump’s America First strategy is designed to protect American interests and maintain peace through strength.

“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 (formerly Twitter), shortly after being sworn in by Vice President J.D. Vance.

He added, “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.”

Trump’s America First doctrine has drawn scrutiny over concerns it may reduce the U.S. role in global security and strain long-standing alliances. Critics have questioned whether this approach signals a shift toward isolationism, but Colby dismissed those concerns.

Colby, who was confirmed by the Senate last Tuesday, has long advocated for recalibrating U.S. military priorities—particularly with regard to U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). He has called for the USFK mission to adapt more toward countering China’s growing influence rather than focusing solely on North Korea.

In a previous interview with Yonhap News Agency, Colby argued for making USFK “more relevant” in addressing China-related threats and not being held “hostage” to North Korean provocations.

Colby served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Strategy and Force Development during the first Trump administration from 2017 to 2018.