President Trump has ordered the relocation of the U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Huntsville, Alabama, reversing a 2023 decision by the Biden administration.

At a Glance

• Trump announced on September 2, 2025 that Space Command will move from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama
• The move reverses a Biden-era decision to make Colorado the permanent headquarters
• Relocation is expected to cost hundreds of millions, take years, and involve relocating approximately 1,700 personnel
• Trump cited Colorado’s mail-in voting as a motivating factor and highlighted Alabama’s political support
• Colorado leaders warned the move undermines military readiness and wastes taxpayer dollars

Policy Reversal By Trump

President Biden had decided in 2023 to retain Space Command headquarters in Colorado Springs, citing the importance of operational readiness and stability. Trump’s new action overturns that decision.

Trump, speaking at a White House event on September 2, 2025, announced that the headquarters would move to Huntsville, known as Rocket City, and said prior plans to place it there had been wrongfully obstructed by the Biden administration.

Watch now: U.S. Space Command headquarters moving to Alabama, reversing Biden decision

A Political Payoff?

Trump emphasized Alabama’s strong support for him, saying he won it by about 47 points, though he claimed that did not influence his decision. He also criticized Colorado’s mail-in voting system, calling it corrupt and asserting it factored into his choice.

Alabama lawmakers, including Senator Tommy Tuberville, praised the decision, calling it a restoration of merit and integrity. Trump vowed Rocket City, Huntsville, was now the definitive home of Space Command.

Colorado’s congressional leaders, across party lines, criticized the move, stating it compromises national security, wastes billions, and disrupts space defense capabilities.

Operational, Economic, and Timeline Impacts

Defense officials earlier cautioned the move could take three to four years and cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Space Command had been fully operational in Colorado Springs since December 2023. Approximately 1,700 personnel are stationed under Space Command currently.

Alabama projects perhaps 1,400 personnel will relocate over five years to Redstone Arsenal, home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and other strategic facilities, such as the Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command. Estimates also suggest the move could generate over 30,000 jobs and attract substantial economic investment to the region.

Driving Up Costs?

Trump’s announcement brings a decisive end to the tug-of-war over Space Command’s location. It signals a significant realignment of strategic and political priorities, favoring sites that provide political dividends alongside infrastructure advantages. Colorado’s leaders argue the change risks military effectiveness, while Alabama will position itself as a renewed aerospace stronghold. The relocation sets up potentially prolonged logistical and strategic transitions spanning years and costing substantial amounts.

Sources

Reuters
Associated Press
Al Jazeera