Buried nearly a mile beneath granite outside Colorado Springs, this Cold War-era facility is engineered to withstand direct nuclear blasts, ensuring continuity of government even in worst-case scenarios.
The complex, completed in 1967 and still active today, serves as a fallback command center for key defense operations including NORAD. In the event of an attack, Trump would first be moved to a secure shelter under the White House before boarding an Air Force “Doomsday” aircraft en route to the site. The plan reflects longstanding military protocols designed to preserve command authority during national emergencies.
Fortified Under Granite Since 1967
Located roughly 10 miles from Colorado Springs, the Cheyenne Mountain Complex was carved into 2,400 feet of solid granite during the height of Cold War tensions. The facility spans 5.1 acres and contains 15 buildings, all designed to function independently in the event of a catastrophic attack. According to NewsNation, its bomb blast doors can be sealed either manually or hydraulically and are built to resist explosions within 1.5 miles.
The site includes a self-sustaining ecosystem, with an internal power plant, water sourced from underground lakes, and food stores stocked for extended habitation. One notable detail: the presence of a fully operational Subway restaurant, reportedly the “most secure Subway” in the world, which serves the personnel stationed there.
Though the exterior remains low-profile, the complex remains active and staffed. Speaking to The Denver Post, Colonel Cory Kwasny of NORAD said, “You feel like you’re walking into a time capsule,” referencing the original design and layout. But he emphasized that its communications and networking systems are modern and fully functional, supporting 24/7 operations.
Presidential Protection in Layered Phases
In case of a confirmed nuclear threat, the president would not be moved immediately to Cheyenne Mountain. As reported by The Sun, the first step in the emergency protocol involves relocating Trump to a bunker beneath the White House. From there, he would be flown on an E-4B “Doomsday” plane to the Colorado installation.
This aircraft is specially equipped for airborne command and control during national emergencies. The president would be accompanied by a tight group of senior officials, while others — including the Secretary of Defense and congressional leaders — would be directed to other hardened facilities like Mount Weather or Raven Rock.
This relocation plan is part of the broader “continuity of government” strategy that dates back decades. Its goal: to preserve leadership, communication, and strategic oversight no matter the scale or source of the threat. These plans remain classified in detail but are periodically updated to reflect current capabilities and geopolitical risks.
Enduring Relevance amid Modern Threats
Though built in the 1960s, the Cheyenne Mountain Complex remains central to U.S. homeland defense. It functions today as the Alternate Command Center for NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, both of which are responsible for detecting and responding to aerial threats over North America.
General Gregory Guillot, the current commander of these operations, emphasized readiness in a NewsNation report. When asked about the risks of global conflict, he replied,
“I don’t worry. We got the greatest military members working it and we are ready.”
The facility’s structural isolation — from both physical and digital intrusion — has also made it a strategic asset in an age of cyberwarfare and electromagnetic threats. Its shock-mounted design helps insulate against seismic impact and technological disruption alike, keeping it operational even under extreme duress.
