Inspector General’s Report Suggests Biden’s Space Force Basing Decision Was Politically Motivated

A report by the Department of Defense Inspector General on April 11, 2025 strongly suggests that the Biden administration’s decision to deny the Space Force Command HQ transfer from Colorado Springs, CO to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville was largely motivated by political factors.

The report was the result of an investigation into the decision, made at the request of the House Committee on Armed Services. The investigation was prompted by the President’s decision to maintain U.S. Space Command’s permanent headquarters in Colorado Springs, despite an announcement in January, 2021 by the Secretary of the Air Force that Redstone Arsenal was the preferred location for Space Command’s permanent headquarters.

The Colorado Springs facility had been considered a temporary headquarters prior to the Biden administration's decision.

Notably, the Department of the Air Force conducted four reviews related to the basing decision, including the cost of the move and its effect on readiness. During this process, Redstone Arsenal remained the Air Force’s location of choice.

However, as the cover letter of the report states, “we could not determine why the (former) SECAF (Secretary of the Air Force) did not make an announcement decision for the transition of USSPACECOM HQ from Colorado Springs to RSA (Redstone Arsenal). (p5)

U.S. Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-4) issued the following statement on Tuesday, April 15, in response to the release of the report:

"The findings in the Inspector General's report confirm what many of us in Alabama have long suspected — that the Biden Administration's decision to move U.S. Space Command to Colorado Springs was driven by politics, not merit. This revelation is deeply troubling and represents a clear deviation from the rigorous, objective process that initially ranked Huntsville as the top choice.

 “While the redactions contained in this public report make for obscure reading, the conclusion could not be clearer: Huntsville earned its ranking fair and square, based on strategic value, existing infrastructure, and quality of life in North Alabama. To disregard those facts for political reasons not only undermines public trust but also compromises our military readiness.

 ”However, I remain confident that with new leadership at the Department of the Air Force, we will see this wrong decision corrected. I believe the new Secretary of the Air Force will take a fresh, apolitical look at the facts and restore integrity to this process.

 “I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure that national security decisions are made on the merits, not political convenience,’ Aderholt concluded.

Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-3) said on the Cyber Focus podcast on April 8 that he believes Space Force HQ will be moving to Redstone Arsenal soon.“I expect sometime in the month of April that Space Command will officially be assigned to build its headquarters in Huntsville,” Rogers said. “I’ve already talked with the contractor, and he is ready to turn dirt on the day they announce.”