By TARA COPP
WASHINGTON (AP) — Following a review by the Defense Department inspector general, it remains unclear why Colorado was chosen over Alabama for the permanent location of U.S. Space Command, with the Trump administration expected to reverse the controversial 2023 decision.
The inspector general’s report, released on Friday, cited a lack of access to senior defense officials during the Biden administration as a reason for the uncertainty surrounding the decision.
The location of U.S. Space Command holds significant importance for the local economy, especially with the increasing investment in national defense spending on space-based communications and defenses.
In 2021, the Air Force identified Army Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, as the preferred location for the new U.S. Space Command due to cost considerations. However, President Joe Biden announced Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the permanent headquarters after a temporary headquarters had already been established in the state.
Alabama’s Republican congressional delegation criticized the Biden administration for what they perceived as a politicized decision. On the other hand, Colorado, with bipartisan representation, houses several Air Force and U.S. Space Force facilities.
Rep. Mike Rogers House, an Alabama Republican who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, recently stated that he expects the White House to reverse the decision before the end of April.
The decision regarding the location of Space Command is just one of many policy shifts between the Biden and Trump administrations. For example, Biden halted the construction of the border wall that began during Trump’s term, only for Trump to now express intent to complete it. Additionally, Trump is seeking to reinstate a ban on transgender troops serving in the military, following Biden’s reversal of the policy.
The controversy surrounding the basing decision began during the final days of Trump’s term, when his Air Force secretary announced Alabama as the future home of Space Command. However, the Biden administration opted to keep the headquarters in Colorado Springs, citing logistical challenges associated with relocating the command to Huntsville.
The inspector general’s report highlighted the Biden White House’s reluctance to allow interviews with key officials without administration lawyers present, raising concerns about access to information.
Original Publication Date: April 15, 2025 at 5:58 PM MDT
