President Joe Biden reversed a Trump-era plan to move the U.S. Space Command headquarters out of Colorado to Alabama.
National Security Adviser John Kirby told CNN on Monday that Biden made the decision based on “operational readiness” after receiving the “inputs” of leaders at the Department of Defense (DoD).
“When it came down to it, he believes it is in the best national security interests of the country if we leave Space Command in Colorado,” Kirby added.
Kirby: The President believes it's in the best national security interest if we leave space command in Colorado pic.twitter.com/73FxHPuS2W
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 31, 2023
U.S. Space Command, which is separate from the Space Force, is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It employs joint forces from the various military branches to deliver “space capabilities” to U.S. forces.
Former President Donald Trump revived the program during his administration and, during his final days in office in January 2021, it was announced that the Air Force decided to move the Space Command headquarters to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama — the same area that House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) has now suggested the FBI relocate its headquarters.
Biden’s decision to back away from the Trump plan, following assessments by the Government Accountability Office and DoD inspector general of the Air Force selection process, pleased Colorado politicians who have opposed the relocation effort.
“This is great news for Colorado and our national security — keeping U.S. Space Command in Colorado Springs is an exciting outcome for our state, military families, jobs, and businesses,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat.
“I applaud the decision today by the Biden Administration to keep U.S. Space Command where it belongs — Colorado,” Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO) said in a statement. “Our entire Congressional Delegation, both Republicans and Democrats, have worked together for years to achieve this important result. Colorado already has the pre-existing infrastructure, first-rate work force, private-sector support, and communication platforms necessary to provide for our national security mission in space.”
Elected officials from Alabama expressed outrage and indicated that they planned to push back against the Biden administration over the reversal.
“The White House choosing to not locate Space Command Headquarters in Alabama – the rightful selection – is very simply the wrong decision for national security,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, a Republican.
Among members of Congress, Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL) said he would be “continuing my investigation into Biden’s deliberate, political, taxpayer-funded meddling in this decision,” while Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), who is holding up military promotions to protest against a Pentagon abortion policy, said he would “continue to fight” the planned move.
Kirby, a retired Navy rear admiral, said moving Space Command would likely take between five and 10 years “at a critical time in the space domain when the [People’s Republic of China] is developing incredible capabilities in that regard. Moving it could have a negative effect on Space Command’s readiness and the president finds that unacceptable.”