Vice President JD Vance criticized Sen. Mitch McConnell for voting against President Trump's choice for Pentagon policy chief, Elbridge Colby, calling it an act of political pettiness. McConnell issued a strong statement outlining his dissent, referring to Colby's views on foreign policy as a return to an Obama-era conception. Vance and other MAGA supporters expressed disappointment with McConnell's decision, with some encouraging others to run for senator of Kentucky as McConnell plans to step down in 2026. Colby received bipartisan support for his nomination.