Trump announcing new location for space command HQ: source

President Donald Trump will announce Tuesday a new location for the headquarters of the U.S. Space Command. 

A person familiar with the announcement told The Associated Press that the headquarters will be located in Alabama.

Space Command headquarters

Big picture view:

Space Command’s functions include conducting operations like enabling satellite-based navigation and troop communication and providing warning of missile launches.

The backstory:

A Biden-era decision kept the headquarters at its temporary location in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which has long battled Alabama to claim the center because it has significant implications for the local economy.  

A review by the Defense Department inspector general was inconclusive and could not determine why Colorado was chosen over Alabama. Trump, a Republican who enjoys deep support in Alabama, had long been expected to move Space Command back to Alabama.

Trump announcement

Big picture view:

Trump’s announcement is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET from the Oval Office. You can watch live in the video player above on LiveNOW from FOX. 

For context:

The president’s public schedule often includes unspecified announcements — in August, two such instances turned out to be appearances with the president of FIFA about the World Cup and another with Apple CEO Tim Cook. But this particular announcement is met with speculation about his physical health. He remained in the D.C. area for the Labor Day weekend and was photographed occasionally.  

What they’re saying:

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt earlier said the announcement was related to the Department of Defense. 

A Pentagon website set up to livestream the remarks described the event as a “U.S. Space Command HQ Announcement.”

Congress back in session

Meanwhile:

Congress is returning to Washington this week after a monthlong August recess.

Big picture view:

The most urgent task for Congress is to avoid a government shutdown on Sept. 30, when federal funding runs out. Just how Republicans and Democrats will be able to agree on this remains unclear.

In the House, Republicans will continue their investigations of former President Joe Biden while Speaker Mike Johnson navigates a split in his conference over whether the Trump administration should release more files in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.