With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in January, Colorado officials are voicing strong opposition to moving U.S. Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama, despite Trump’s support for the relocation. Trump’s initial decision to place Space Command in Alabama was reversed by President Biden, who opted to keep the headquarters in Colorado, citing national security and readiness. However, Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, chair of the House Armed Services Committee, recently stated that he expects Trump will overturn Biden’s decision.
Colorado’s Case for Retaining Space Command
Space Command, currently fully operational at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, has deep roots in Colorado, having been headquartered there in various forms since 1985. Local officials from both parties argue that Colorado’s existing infrastructure and strategic position make it the optimal location for Space Command. They also contend that relocating the command to Alabama would waste billions of taxpayer dollars and disrupt mission readiness. Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper has voiced concerns that moving the command would be motivated by political rather than strategic interests, emphasizing Colorado’s proven capability as the current host.
Colorado’s congressional delegation, including Republican Jeff Crank and Democratic Senator Michael Bennet, has echoed these sentiments, with Crank pledging to work with the state’s federal delegation to keep Space Command in Colorado after he takes office. Additionally, Governor Jared Polis has called on Trump to prioritize national security over politics in his decision-making.
Alabama’s Push for Space Command
Alabama officials, led by Rep. Mike Rogers and Senator Katie Britt, are optimistic that Trump will relocate Space Command to Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal, which the Air Force rated highly in its evaluation phases. Britt argues that Redstone was originally selected based on a merit-based process and expects Trump to restore the Air Force’s initial recommendation. Rogers has also described the move as a means of reversing what he calls Biden’s “partisan political considerations.”
National Security Concerns
The debate over Space Command’s location centers around military readiness, taxpayer costs, and political motivations. Colorado officials argue that moving the headquarters now would be disruptive and costly, potentially affecting the command’s ability to maintain operational stability. Trump’s team, however, views the move as a way to realign Space Command with its initial assessment.
As Trump’s inauguration approaches, Colorado and Alabama continue their battle to secure Space Command, with national security and regional pride at the forefront. The ultimate decision will shape the future of the command’s strategic operations and impact both states economically and militarily.
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