Trump Withdraws Endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd, Backs Hope Scheppelman After Clash Over Tariff Authority
Former President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) over his stance on tariffs, publicly backing challenger Hope Scheppelman on Truth Social — a major development in Colorado’s 3rd District primary fight.
- Trump revoked his endorsement on Truth Social and offered “complete and total” support to Hope Scheppelman, calling Hurd a “RINO” and praising Scheppelman as a Highly Respected Patriot.
- The split followed debate over the Supreme Court limiting the president’s tariff authority under IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act).
- Hurd supported H.J.Res.72, which repealed emergency tariffs on Canada — a vote critics tied to questions about his loyalty to Trump’s tariff agenda (reporting).
- Rescinding an endorsement is rare — analysts note this is only the second public revocation of a sitting Republican by Trump, after 2022.
What happened
On Saturday, Trump announced via Truth Social that he was revoking his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd and was instead giving “complete and total” support to challenger Hope Scheppelman. The move centers on Hurd’s recent public statements and votes regarding trade, specifically his calls for Congress to exercise Article I authority over tariffs.
“Based on a lack of support, in particular for the unbelievably successful TARIFFS imposed on Foreign Countries and Companies which has made America Richer, Stronger, Bigger, and Better than ever before, I am hereby WITHDRAWING my Endorsement of RINO Congressman Jeff Hurd, of Colorado’s 3rd District, and fully Endorsing Highly Respected Patriot, Hope Scheppelman, to take his place in Congress.” — Trump (via Washington Examiner)
What Trump said and why he pulled his backing
In his Truth Social post, Trump framed the revocation as a defense of his America First trade agenda and a warning that GOP lawmakers who oppose his tariff strategy risk primary challenges. He praised Scheppelman’s background — a critical care nurse practitioner and Navy veteran — and cast her as a loyal supporter of his policies (coverage).
Hurd’s stance: constitutional limits and calls for Congress to act
Rep. Jeff Hurd asserted that the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision limiting executive use of IEEPA clarified that Article I of the Constitution vests tariff authority with Congress. Hurd argued that major trade decisions should rest on clear statutory authority and that, while he supports stronger trade enforcement, it must be grounded in durable legal footing (Fox News).
Hurd also voted in favor of H.J.Res.72, which repealed emergency tariffs on Canada — a vote that critics say signaled insufficient loyalty to Trump’s tariff agenda (report).
Timing and the wider tariff fight
The endorsement reversal occurred amid a broader legal and political battle over executive trade authority. The Supreme Court’s decision narrowed how IEEPA can be used to impose tariffs under emergency declarations, shifting questions back to Congress and sparking a flurry of executive and legislative responses.
Hours before the endorsement post, Trump said he would raise a global tariff rate under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 — a maneuver described as an effort to maintain pressure on foreign competitors after the court’s ruling (reporting).
How rare is this break?
Rescinding an endorsement for a sitting GOP member is unusual. Observers note this is only the second time Trump has publicly revoked an endorsement of a Republican incumbent, the earlier example being former Rep. Mo Brooks in 2022. Political analysts view the move as a signal that endorsements will be used as leverage to enforce loyalty on policy priorities, especially trade.
Who is Hope Scheppelman?
Hope Scheppelman is a critical care nurse practitioner, U.S. Navy veteran, and former vice chair of the Colorado Republican Party. Trump described her as a “Highly Respected Patriot” and a steadfast supporter of America First trade and national security policies (Washington Examiner).
Responses, reporting differences and echo chambers
At press time, Hurd’s office had not issued an immediate comment in response to Trump’s revocation (Fox News). Local reaction is likely to split: some Republicans praise Hurd’s defense of constitutional separation of powers, while pro-Trump factions criticize his vote and statements as disloyal to the president’s economic program.
Coverage varied slightly across outlets, with some discrepancies in Hurd’s first name (Jeff vs. Jim) and in accounts of the immediate trigger for Trump’s action. The core consensus is consistent: Trump withdrew his endorsement over perceived lack of support for his tariff policies after the Supreme Court ruling (Washington Examiner; Fox News; Mediaite).
Legal backdrop: IEEPA and Section 122
The Supreme Court’s decision narrowed presidential use of IEEPA to impose tariffs under emergency authority, returning some power over trade to Congress. In response, the administration has explored invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act and proposing higher global tariffs as a way to preserve leverage while the legal framework is contested (report).
Implications for policy, politics and voters
Economic impact: The dispute underscores who decides trade policy and how tariffs affect businesses and consumers. Tariffs can protect U.S. industries but raise costs for consumers and firms that rely on imports. A push for higher global tariffs could increase prices and reshape supply chains, notably for farmers and manufacturers.
Political consequences: The episode sharpens a divide within the GOP between loyalty to Trump’s policy prescriptions and traditional conservative commitments to congressional authority. Trump’s willingness to withdraw an endorsement signals readiness to press incumbents through primary pressure.
Social and cultural effects: Voters prioritizing jobs and economic security may back hardline trade measures; others concerned about consumer prices and trade retaliation may push back. The clash highlights tensions between economic nationalism and constitutional process.
Practical response: Congress could move to draft clearer statutory authority for tariffs to reduce legal uncertainty and increase transparency. Primary voters in Colorado’s 3rd District will be a bellwether for whether loyalty to Trump or adherence to constitutional procedure prevails.
What to watch next
- Will Hope Scheppelman gain momentum from the endorsement switch? Monitor fundraising, polling, and endorsements in the weeks ahead (Washington Examiner).
- Will Hurd publicly defend his constitutional argument or reassert alignment with parts of Trump’s trade goals? As of reporting, his office had not issued an immediate reply (Fox News).
- How will Congress respond to the Supreme Court’s limitation on IEEPA? Expect proposals to clarify statutory authority and possible floor votes on trade measures (report).
Sources
Washington Examiner — Washington Examiner
Fox News — Fox News
Mediaite — Mediaite
