Government and business leaders from Colorado Springs and El Paso County said Tuesday they are committed to working with President-elect Donald Trump and his transition team to discuss Colorado Springs’ role in national security.

Local officials reacted to the possibility that U.S. Space Command headquarters, which employs about 1,700 people across military branches in Colorado Springs who protect and defend assets in space, could move to Huntsville, Ala. after Trump again takes office next year.

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In late July 2023, El Paso County celebrated news from the Air Force and White House that President Joe Biden named Colorado Springs the permanent headquarters of Space Command, more than two years after Trump, during his first term in office, announced he would uproot the command to Huntsville.

Republican Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama recently told Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5 he expected Trump would move the command as one of his first moves in office during his second term. As chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, Rogers in recent years has been fighting for the command and oversaw work on a national spending bill that withheld funding for a permanent Space Command headquarters in Colorado Springs.

Politico reported last week Rogers is under consideration to become the next Secretary of Defense, which could give his opinion more weight.

Here is what local government and business officials shared Tuesday about Space Command’s possible move from Peterson Space Force Base to Alabama:

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Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade: “I’d like to congratulate President-elect Trump on his winning campaign. We look forward to engaging with the new administration and transition team and are eager to share the great things underway in Colorado Springs, especially our city’s strong history and contributions to national security.

“We are the proud home of five military installations and have been home to U.S. Space Command since its birth under President Trump in 2019. Since that time, the command has grown from 100 to (1,700) jobs, and in December 2023, it reached full operational capability.

“Its efforts and excellence are bolstered by the more than 150 aerospace and defense companies in our city, our highly skilled workforce and leading technology and resources. This robust ecosystem is a key factor in the early success of USSPACECOM, and we are committed to working together to support its mission to defend our great nation.”

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Board of El Paso County Commissioners: “We congratulate President-elect Donald Trump and look forward to working with whoever is confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as Secretary of Defense.

“Colorado Springs is uniquely positioned to support our national security. We will continue to make the case that Peterson Space Force Base is the best place for U.S. Space Command due to cost and our region’s infrastructure, skilled workforce, and strong community support essential to the mission.”

Dani Bolling, senior vice president of marketing, communications and sales for the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp.: “We look forward to engaging with President-elect Donald Trump and the transition team to discuss Colorado Springs’ critical role in national security.

“U.S. Space Command has called Colorado Springs home since 2019 and is now at full operational capability. Colorado Springs boasts an unparalleled ecosystem supporting space operations and national security, from U.S. Space Command’s growth to cutting-edge technology, unmatched space engineering talent, and a robust aerospace and defense industry.

“With five military installations, NORAD, U.S. Northern Command, and over 150 private aerospace and defense companies, Colorado Springs is a strategic hub for protecting the United States and allied interests in space. The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC remains committed to supporting U.S. Space Command’s mission and strengthening our leadership in the aerospace and defense sector.”