Trump pulls endorsement of Jeff Hurd amid Colorado tariffs dispute, backs Hope Scheppelman
Former President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Colorado Rep. Jeff Hurd after Hurd opposed Trump’s tariff approach and voted to repeal 25% Canadian tariffs, then endorsed challenger Hope Scheppelman as tensions over GOP trade policy escalated.
Key takeaways
- Trump withdrew his endorsement and publicly backed Hope Scheppelman, posting on Truth Social that Hurd sided with foreign interests.
- Hurd cited constitutional limits and a Supreme Court ruling while voting to repeal 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, arguing Congress should set major trade policy (Fox News).
- Supreme Court constrained IEEPA authority, prompting Trump to announce plans to use the Trade Act to raise global tariffs to as much as 15% (Washington Examiner).
Trump’s Truth Social post and the reasoning for the withdrawal
Trump wrote that he was “WITHDRAWING my Endorsement of RINO Congressman Jeff Hurd, of Colorado’s 3rd District,” and added he was “fully Endorsing Highly Respected Patriot, Hope Scheppelman, to take his place in Congress.” He described his tariffs as “unbelievably successful” and said they made America “Richer, Stronger, Bigger, and Better than ever before.” He accused Hurd of protecting “Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades”, framing the change as enforcement of loyalty on trade votes — a theme he reiterated in his Truth Social post (Washington Examiner).
Quote: “I am WITHDRAWING my Endorsement…” — Donald J. Trump (Truth Social, as reported).
Hurd’s stance: separation of powers and the Canadian tariffs vote
Rep. Jeff Hurd posted on X that the Supreme Court’s ruling clarified the scope of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and that the decision “matters.” He emphasized Article I of the Constitution assigns Congress authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations and impose tariffs, arguing major trade decisions require clear statutory authority, not expansive emergency interpretations (Fox News).
Hurd said he supports stronger trade enforcement but insists it must rest on durable legal footing. To that end he crossed party lines to vote for H.J.Res.72, which repealed the administration’s 25% tariffs on Canadian goods that had been imposed under a national emergency; that repeal passed Congress (Washington Examiner).
Supreme Court ruling and the shifting legal ground on tariffs
The Supreme Court issued a 6–3 ruling that limited the president’s authority to impose tariffs under IEEPA, blocking aspects of the so-called “Liberation Day” tariffs and underscoring Congress’s role in trade policy. Trump publicly called the ruling “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti‑American,” criticizing justices he appointed (Washington Examiner).
In reaction, Trump announced plans to use Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to raise a worldwide tariff rate—first to 10%, then to 15%—signaling an aggressive executive approach even as courts constrain emergency tariff authority (Washington Examiner).
Why the reversal is notable in GOP politics
Pulling an endorsement of a sitting Republican is rare; media reports note this is only the second time Trump has publicly withdrawn support from a GOP incumbent. The action signals an internal party fight over who sets trade policy — the president’s “America First” line or congressional authority — and tests whether House Republicans will align with the president or defend legislative prerogatives (Mediaite).
By endorsing Hope Scheppelman — a U.S. Navy veteran, critical care nurse practitioner, and former Colorado GOP vice chair who supports “America First” policies — Trump elevated a challenger with party ties, potentially reshaping primary dynamics in Colorado’s 3rd District (Washington Examiner).
Reactions and next steps
At the time of reporting, Hurd’s office had not immediately commented to some outlets about the endorsement withdrawal. No public statements from Hope Scheppelman or congressional leaders had appeared in available reporting. Note: early coverage contained minor name inconsistencies—some sources mistakenly used “Jim Hurd”—but the lawmaker is Jeff Hurd, R‑CO (Fox News).
The immediate political fallout will hinge on how Colorado’s 3rd District voters respond to the tariff debate, whether Trump’s endorsement shifts primary voters, and if other House Republicans facing trade pressure will align with the president or insist on Congress-led tariff decisions.
Questions this dispute raises for voters and lawmakers
- Who should set major trade policy? The Supreme Court ruling reinforced Congress’s role; Hurd argued for statutory debate and votes (Fox News).
- Will the GOP prioritize alignment with Trump or protect congressional authority? Hurd framed his position as constitutional; Trump framed it as loyalty to an “America First” trade approach (Mediaite).
- How will voters weigh economic effects of tariffs against legal and diplomatic concerns? This debate will likely be a central campaign issue in the district (Washington Examiner).
Implications for The High Desert, California
Economic impact
The High Desert’s small manufacturers, logistics firms, and retailers rely on stable supply chains. Broad-based tariffs like those Trump proposes could raise input and consumer prices, squeezing margins for local businesses. Supporters counter that tariffs protect domestic manufacturing and jobs. Voters should watch national tariff signals for effects on local prices, hiring, and investment (Washington Examiner).
Political consequences
The dispute underscores tension between allegiance to Trump and constitutional conservatism emphasizing limited executive power. Moderate conservatives in the High Desert may agree with Hurd’s call for congressional votes while also favoring trade enforcement. Local GOP officials will face pressure to choose between a loyalty test and constitutional arguments (Mediaite).
Social and cultural effects
Tariff debates can act as proxies for concerns about jobs, national identity, and economic winners and losers. In the High Desert — where households are sensitive to gas, food, and housing costs — protectionist rhetoric may resonate, but higher consumer prices could erode support. Voters may favor candidates who balance constitutional process with pragmatic plans to protect local jobs (Fox News).
Practical applications for residents
Expect tariff policy to be a campaign issue in 2026 primaries. Businesses that import should monitor announcements and prepare for price volatility. Residents concerned about inflationary effects should ask candidates how they will protect household budgets and whether lawmakers support congressional oversight of trade measures. Chambers of commerce and civic groups may host candidate forums focused on trade policy to provide practical answers (Mediaite).
