Imagine the Pentagon’s top policy chief going rogue, making decisions without asking the White House or allies! Jack Colby, the man supposed to be the steady hand in Trump’s foreign policy, has turned the Pentagon into his own playground of power. His independent moves—from halting missile shipments to Ukraine to revising the secretive AUKUS pact—have sparked chaos and fury among U.S. allies and inside the administration itself.
Colby was once known as a thoughtful leader, but since joining Trump’s team, his aggressive and unpredictable style has shocked many. He’s practically taken over key decisions, often bypassing the president and other officials. Just last week, he unilaterally stopped sending air defense missiles to Ukraine, leaving Congress members stunned and angry. Trump later said he would reverse the decision but claimed he didn’t even know who ordered it.
His revision of the AUKUS pact—between the U.S., Australia, and the U.K.—further rattled alliances. Diplomats and State Department officials were blindsided, not even informed about the changes. Colby even interrupted a British defense delegation at the Pentagon, bluntly asking if it was too late to cancel sending an aircraft carrier to Asia, making it clear they weren’t welcome there.
His attitude toward allies is crystal clear: they’re a burden, and the U.S. should act alone. This new brand of isolationism has caused serious friction with traditional partners like Japan, which was ready for a moderate defense budget increase. Colby demanded a steep 5% hike, sparking political turmoil in Japan and canceling key meetings.
Within the Republican Party and Trump’s administration, Colby’s style raises alarms. Many believe his behavior undermines the president’s foreign policy at a critical moment, while allies fear the U.S. is losing its resolve and reliability. Congressman Adam Smith even said Colby seems to believe in an authoritarian world view, a dangerous stance for American policy.
Though Colby has Pentagon allies and is seen as a top professional, his moves have unleashed a storm of dissatisfaction and uncertainty. Is this the dawn of a new American isolationism or just chaos in Trump’s administration? One thing’s for sure—the world has never been more confused by decisions coming out of Washington.
If this sounds like a political thriller, you’re not far off. So, what do you think—is Colby the hero or the villain of American foreign policy? Drop a comment, maybe we can untangle this mess together!
