The Defense Department inspector general’s report highlighted the lack of clarity surrounding the decision to choose Colorado over Alabama as the permanent location of U.S. Space Command. The report attributed this ambiguity to limited access to senior defense officials during the review process under the Biden administration. The selection of the Space Command’s location holds significant economic implications due to the increasing investments in space-related national defense.

In 2021, the Air Force favored Army Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, for the new Space Command headquarters. However, following delays, President Joe Biden designated Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the permanent location. This decision sparked accusations from Alabama’s Republican congressional delegation of political motivation.

The back-and-forth decisions between the Biden and Trump administrations on various matters, such as the border wall construction and transgender troop policies, reflect the ongoing policy shifts. The controversy surrounding the Space Command’s basing decision originated during the transition between the two administrations.

Efforts to understand the rationale behind selecting Colorado instead of Alabama were hindered by the Biden administration’s requirement for administration lawyers to be present during interviews with key officials. The inspector general rejected this condition, emphasizing the importance of unrestricted access to information. Rep. Mike Rogers House anticipates a reversal of the Space Command location decision by the White House before the end of April.