Lawmakers and officials from several states have asked for an investigation into the Trump administration's decision to host the U.S. Space Command headquarters in Alabama, with some calling the move "politically motivated."
This week, the U.S. Air Force picked Redstone Arsenal, near Huntsville, Alabama, for the site, which will have capacity for 1,400 people. Federal officials chose Huntsville after examining locations in 24 states.
But officials and lawmakers in several other states, including New Mexico, Colorado and Nebraska, claimed the Air Force bases in their cities were better location options, and have called for a probe into the administration's selection process.
"It's no surprise the outgoing administration would make a politically-motivated decision on their way out the door," said Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller.
Senator Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, a Democrat, said, "Congress should immediately initiate an investigation into this decision, and I intend to bring this issue up with the incoming administration."
"The Air Force owes the residents of Albuquerque and other finalist cities a full and detailed accounting of how it reached its decision," Luján added.
Several Republicans Alabama lawmakers objected to Congress certifying President-elect Joe Biden's win on January 7, and some have pointed to their opposition as motivation for the administration's decision.
"You can follow the breadcrumrbs," said Sherman McCorkle, who assisted in efforts to bring the Space Command headquarters to Albuquerque, according to the Albuquerque Journal.
Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett told President Donald Trump that Colorado Springs was the top pick for the new headquarters during a meeting at the White House this week, according to the Colorado Springs Gazette. A provisional site for the center is currently situated at Peterson Air Force Base in the city.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis insisted that his state was the logical choice to host the Space Command headquarters and criticized the administration's choice.
"This misguided decision would cost American taxpayers potentially billions of dollars and would be fiscally irresponsible if it is allowed to stand," he said. "We pledge to work with our federal delegation to restore integrity to the process as it unfolds."
Meanwhile, Alabama officials have welcomed the decision. Governor Kay Ivey said the state "has long provided exceptional support for our military and their families as well as a rich and storied history when it comes to space exploration."
In a statement, Republican Alabama Senator Richard Shelby said he was "thrilled that the Air Force has chosen Redstone."
"Huntsville is the right pick for a host of reasons—our skilled workforce, proximity to supporting space entities, cost-effectiveness, and quality of life, among other things," he added.
Newsweek reached out to the Trump administration for comment.
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