BREAKING: Colorado Republicans are rallying together in response to the recent decision by President Trump to relocate the Space Command headquarters from Colorado Springs. They are now reporting that they expect to lose only 1,000 positions instead of the previously estimated 1,700 jobs, a significant reduction that they deem a positive outcome for the state.
In a statement released late last week, GOP Reps. Jeff Crank, Lauren Boebert, Gabe Evans, and Jeff Hurd emphasized their commitment to working with the administration to mitigate the impact of this move. “This marks a significant improvement from the original projection,” they stated, noting that vital operational components of Space Command will remain in Colorado Springs, preserving much of the region’s economic benefits.
The timeline for the relocation remains lengthy, with the move expected to span several years. During this period, the Defense Department’s presence in Colorado is anticipated to continue growing, particularly with the Space Force, which has already seen an increase of 1,500 personnel in recent years. An additional 500 positions are projected for the near future.
Rep. Boebert commented on the situation, saying, “It seems that way,” when asked if the headquarters move was a foregone conclusion. She expressed optimism about the future of Colorado’s defense and aerospace industries, asserting that the state would continue to attract military missions and opportunities. “The majority of Space Force is in Colorado, and that’s going to continue to grow,” she added.
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade has been actively engaging with state representatives, stating, “I do not expect to see a dramatic or immediate change in economic impact from this decision.” He plans to head to Washington D.C. next week to advocate for Colorado Springs with federal partners.
However, Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis expressed disappointment with Trump’s “politically motivated decision,” emphasizing that keeping Space Command in the state is critical for national security. “Colorado is home to one of the strongest aerospace and defense industries in the country,” Polis asserted.
Democratic Rep. Jason Crow is not giving up yet, stating that they are exploring mechanisms through the appropriations process to delay the move. However, the political landscape may make these efforts challenging, as Alabama representatives hold significant sway in the relevant committees.
Meanwhile, Rep. Dale Strong from Alabama indicated that construction of the new Space Command headquarters is projected to take 14 to 18 months, with a site already selected. The timeline for funding and construction remains uncertain, raising questions about the viability of retaining jobs in Colorado.
Insiders within Colorado’s congressional delegation have expressed skepticism about the administration’s job retention claims. One source disclosed that there are doubts about the accuracy of job estimates being provided by the Air Force.
Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser has suggested potential legal actions against the move, arguing that the president’s decision is “wholly inappropriate” and could be legally challenged, especially given Trump’s comments about Colorado’s mail-in voting system.
As Colorado’s lawmakers navigate this contentious issue, the focus remains on preserving jobs and ensuring the growth of the state’s military and aerospace sectors. The implications of this decision will continue to unfold in the coming weeks, particularly as local officials ramp up advocacy efforts in D.C.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops. For more stories, visit www.cpr.org.
