Elbridge Colby in the news as a D.O.D. policy veteran shaping Europe/Indo-Pacific defense strategy. Former deputy assistant secretary for strategy and force development; now under secretary of defense for policy.
A January meeting between Vatican diplomat Cardinal Christophe Pierre and U.S. Defense officials has sparked controversy. Reports suggest tense exchanges, with allegations of aggressive language and U.S. warnings of military power. The Vatican denies hostility, emphasizing respectful dialogue. The story highlights ongoing diplomatic strains involving the Pope's outspoken stance on conflicts and U.S. policies.
A leaked Pentagon email has revealed that US defence planners have been weighing options to punish NATO allies that refused basing and overflight rights for the US-Israeli campaign against Iran, including suspending Spain from NATO and reassessing US support for the Falkland Islands. European leaders are publicly dismissing the email as unofficial.
The United States has paused its participation in the Permanent Joint Board on Defense with Canada to reassess the benefit of the forum for shared North American defense, with officials citing Canada’s alleged failure to make credible defense commitments.
U.S. officials have signalled a plan to reduce the pool of military capabilities available to NATO, cutting strategic bombers, some fighter deployments, naval assets and withholding certain drones, while senior U.S. diplomats are touring India to repair trade and energy ties and press Quad cooperation (as of 09 Jun 2026).
The Defence Investment Plan has sparked a rift in the Labour government, with defence secretary John Healey and armed forces minister Al Carns resigning over funding delays. Sir Keir Starmer has urged discipline while vowing to push the plan forward; the Government says defence remains a priority amid mounting economic pressures.