Colorado Republicans Push Back Against Space Command Move
URGENT UPDATE: Colorado Republicans are rallying in response to President Trump’s decision to relocate the Space Command headquarters from Colorado Springs. As the fallout continues, GOP officials are actively seeking ways to mitigate the impact of this move, which they anticipate will result in the loss of 1,000 jobs instead of the initially feared 1,700.
In a statement released late last week, Republican representatives, including Jeff Crank and Lauren Boebert, expressed optimism, emphasizing that key operational elements of Space Command will remain in Colorado. They described this as a “significant improvement” for the state, highlighting that the Defense Department’s presence is expected to expand in the coming years, with 1,500 Space Force personnel already in Colorado and an additional 500 positions anticipated.
Boebert remarked, “It seems that way,” when asked if the move was finalized. She underscored that the majority of Space Force operations will continue to grow in Colorado, asserting, “We’re not losing our defense and aerospace industries.” Local leaders are echoing this sentiment, with Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade stating he is confident the city will maintain growth in its aerospace sector despite the upcoming changes.
However, not all responses have been positive. Gov. Jared Polis criticized the relocation as a “politically motivated decision” that undermines national security interests. “Colorado is home to one of the strongest aerospace and defense industries in the country,” he stated, reaffirming his belief that the state’s economic growth will persist.
As the timeline for the move remains unclear, Rep. Jason Crow indicated that Democrats may explore legislative measures to slow the process. “We’re going to look at mechanisms through the appropriations process,” he said, hinting at potential pushback against the relocation.
Authorities have confirmed that the construction of a new Space Command headquarters in Alabama is projected to take 14 to 18 months, but funding and logistical details remain uncertain. In light of this, Colorado’s Republicans remain focused on leveraging their influence to attract other military opportunities to the state, despite dissenting voices suggesting they could have utilized their votes to delay the decision.
The situation is fluid, with many stakeholders advocating for the future of Colorado’s defense sector. Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser has announced intentions to pursue legal avenues to challenge the decision. “It’s wholly inappropriate and legally suspect for the president to decide the location of Space Command HQ based on how Colorado exercises its power under the U.S. Constitution,” he stated, referencing Trump’s comments on mail-in voting.
As this story develops, all eyes will be on Colorado’s congressional delegation and local leaders as they work to ensure the state’s military presence and economic viability remain strong. The implications of these changes will resonate for years, making it critical for residents and stakeholders to stay informed.
For more updates, visit Colorado Public Radio at www.cpr.org.
