WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 02: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media in the Oval Office at the White House on September 2, 2025 in Washington, DC. Following days of speculation about his health from users on social media, President Trump made his first public appearance in a week to announce the moving of Space Command headquarters from Colorado to Alabama. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump announced on October 3, 2023, that the United States Space Command (SPACECOM) will be relocated from Colorado to Alabama, aligning with plans from the final days of his first term. The new headquarters will be established at the Army’s Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. During a press event in the Oval Office, Trump, flanked by Republican members of Alabama’s congressional delegation, declared this move would “help America defend and dominate the high frontier.”
The decision has reignited a contentious debate between Colorado and Alabama, both vying for the permanent headquarters of SPACECOM, which is responsible for military operations in space. SPACECOM operates independently from the Space Force, which provides personnel and technology across multiple combatant commands. The Space Force, established in 2019 under Trump’s administration, is part of the Department of the Air Force, which previously recommended Huntsville as the location for SPACECOM’s headquarters on January 13, 2021, just before Trump left office.
In his announcement, Trump cited three reasons for the relocation: Redstone Arsenal’s proximity to government and industrial space facilities, the persistence of Alabama officials in attracting the headquarters, and concerns regarding Colorado’s mail-in voting laws. He stated, “That played a big factor, also,” despite the latter being unrelated to military matters. Critics argue that none of these reasons effectively justify Alabama as a superior location compared to Colorado.
A 2022 investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Air Force did not adhere to “best practices” when recommending Huntsville, resulting in significant transparency issues. Conversely, a Pentagon inspector general report concluded that the Air Force’s processes complied with military policy and federal law, although it criticized the record-keeping of decision-makers.
Former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall supported the move in 2023, citing an estimated $426 million in cost savings due to lower construction and personnel expenses in Alabama compared to Colorado Springs. Nevertheless, SPACECOM achieved full operational capability at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, raising concerns about the potential impact of the relocation on personnel.
Army General James Dickinson, who led SPACECOM from 2020 until 2023, expressed support for retaining the headquarters in Colorado, emphasizing that “mission success is highly dependent on human capital and infrastructure.” A recent memorandum indicated significant apprehension among personnel regarding relocation, with some officials estimating that up to 90 percent of the civilian workforce might not move to Huntsville.
Concerns persist regarding the timeline for constructing temporary facilities in Huntsville, which military officials estimated would take three to four years to achieve the same capacity, connectivity, and security as the current setup in Colorado Springs. The GAO reported ongoing challenges related to personnel, facilities, and communications at Peterson, despite the command’s declared operational capability.
The decision to maintain Space Command’s headquarters in Colorado Springs was made by President Joe Biden in July 2023, with the Pentagon asserting that this would ensure optimal readiness in the space domain during a critical period. This decision drew ire from Alabama lawmakers, who accused Biden of political motivations.
Upon Trump’s announcement, the relocation is projected to generate approximately 1,600 direct jobs in Huntsville, with potential indirect economic benefits for the surrounding area. However, Colorado lawmakers expressed concerns about the impact on Colorado Springs’ economy and workforce.
Members of Colorado’s congressional delegation released a joint statement expressing disappointment over the decision, stating, “Moving Space Command headquarters weakens our national security at the worst possible time.” They vowed to fight to reverse the decision, asserting that the relocation does not enhance operational capabilities compared to what is already established in Colorado.
In contrast, Alabama representatives celebrated the move. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R) stated that the Air Force initially selected Huntsville based on merit, claiming that Biden’s reversal was politically motivated.
Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis called for transparency regarding the decision, emphasizing Colorado’s suitability for future military missions. As discussions continue, the future of Space Command remains a focal point of debate, reflecting the broader dynamics of military operations and regional interests.
