Colorado Sues Trump Over Space Force Relocation
A lawsuit was filed in federal court on Tuesday by the state of Colorado, alleging that President Donald Trump engaged in unconstitutional retaliation by directing the U.S. Space Force to relocate from Colorado Springs to Alabama. Colorado contends this decision is punitive stemming from the state’s mail-in voting system.
The state argues that the relocation is politically motivated, breaching constitutional boundaries of executive power, and could incur billions in economic losses. Trump announced this move on September 2, concluding an extended dispute regarding the Space Force’s base. In the lawsuit, it’s claimed he identified Colorado’s mail-in voting as a substantial factor influencing his decision.
According to the lawsuit, Trump expressed concerns about mail-in voting in Colorado, describing it as a pathway to electoral fraud. He stated, “If a state supports mail-in voting, that means they want a fraudulent election. Because that’s what it means.”
The lawsuit spans 21 pages and names President Trump, along with the Departments of Defense and Air Force, as defendants, seeking a court order to prevent the move.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser asserted that Trump’s directive punishes the state’s election processes and infringes upon the Tenth Amendment and the principle of separation of powers. He emphasized that Colorado has the constitutional right to establish its voting system, which reflects the vision of the Constitution’s Framers.
The suit also claims that the Pentagon bypassed necessary legal protocols, failing to notify Congress about significant headquarters relocations.
Colorado anticipates the move will lead to the loss of thousands of jobs and billions in investments and taxpayer funds needed for the relocation. The filing cites a Pentagon spokesperson confirming the decision to move to Huntsville, Alabama.
Colorado’s mail-in voting framework, developed in 2013, provides various voting methods, including mail, drop box, and in-person options. The lawsuit claims this system is a “gold standard” for secure elections, highlighting its bipartisan support. A Republican lawmaker noted earlier this year that “Coloradoans love being able to vote from home.”
The state is firm in denying Trump’s assertions of widespread voter fraud, insisting its electoral process includes stringent security measures and thorough audits to ensure fair elections. The lawsuit argues that claims about illegal foreign ballots are unfounded and disconnected from reality.
The lawsuit reached out to the White House for comments on the matter.
Established in 2018 during Trump’s first term, the U.S. Space Command is set to be based at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs in 2023 under President Biden. Colorado’s complaint indicates that Trump’s actions disrupt the constitutional balance of powers regarding election regulations, which are meant to be determined by states. It cautions that unchecked, these actions could shift the balance of power between state and federal governments, potentially allowing future administrations to similarly penalize states.
Colorado is asking the court to rule Trump’s order unconstitutional, block the relocation, and mandate federal agencies adhere to legal protocols while also seeking to recover legal expenses.
