The Attorney General of Alabama is calling for an investigation into President Biden’s reversal of the decision to establish the Space Command headquarters in Huntsville. In a letter directed to Elizabeth Field, Director of Defense Capabilities and Management at the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and Randolph Stone, Assistant Inspector General at the Department of Defense (DOD), Alabama’s Attorney General Steve Marshall has raised concerns about the abrupt change in placing the Space Command headquarters in Colorado.
Marshall outlined the sequence of events, noting that after an extensive two-year evaluation process, Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, was chosen on January 13, 2021, as the preferred location for the Space Command’s headquarters. This decision was based on thorough assessments of factors such as mission, infrastructure capacity, community support, and cost considerations for the Department of Defense.
Marshall pointed out that independent reviews by various entities, including the DOD IG, confirmed the legality of the Air Force’s selection process and validated Huntsville as the optimal site.
The GAO also supported Huntsville’s suitability for the headquarters after conducting its own inquiry. However, the situation changed dramatically on July 31, 2023, when it was reported that President Biden had reversed the decision and instead opted for a location in Colorado. This shift was attributed to General James Dickinson, raising eyebrows due to his prior assertion that Huntsville was the right choice for Space Command.
Marshall revealed that recent property records indicated Dickinson’s personal interest in the Colorado location, as he had purchased a $1.5 million ranch nearby. This investment was not disclosed when Dickinson expressed his support for Huntsville to Alabama officials.
The Attorney General expressed concern about the impact of Dickinson’s “fundamental changes” on the scoring process and potential taxpayer expenses. Marshall also mentioned the possibility of other improper influences on the decision, citing reports that partisan considerations related to Alabama’s abortion law played a role in rejecting the state as a headquarters site.
Marshall urged for an investigation into the selection process for the Colorado location with the same rigor applied during the initial assessment of Huntsville.
A representative from the DOD IG stated that the official channels had not yet received the letter, and the GAO’s review had not expanded to cover the Colorado selection beyond its previous evaluations.
Last month, President Biden chose to retain the U.S. Space Command headquarters in Colorado, disregarding the proposal by former President Donald Trump to move operations to Alabama. Biden’s decision, influenced by consultations with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and senior military leaders, aimed to maintain stability and readiness in the realm of space activities, especially in response to the challenges presented by China.
The President’s emphasis on avoiding disruptions and ensuring stability led him to favor Colorado Springs for the U.S. Space Command headquarters. Biden stressed the significance of readiness, adaptability, and stability for effective multi-domain global operations, especially in the context of competition with China’s space endeavors.