Trump Withdraws Endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd, Backing Hope Scheppelman After Fight Over Tariff Power
Former President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Colorado Rep. Jeff Hurd on Saturday and endorsed challenger Hope Scheppelman after Hurd questioned presidential tariff authority, escalating a high-stakes GOP primary in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.
- Trump rescinded his endorsement on Truth Social over Hurd’s refusal to back his tariff agenda — and instead endorsed Hope Scheppelman (Washington Examiner; Fox News).
- Hurd cited constitutional limits and urged Congress, not the president, decide major trade actions after a Supreme Court ruling limited IEEPA-based tariff authority (Fox News).
- Trump announced he raised a global tariff rate under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and warned of political consequences for Republicans who oppose his tariff strategy (Washington Examiner).
Trump’s announcement and reasoning
On Truth Social, Trump declared he was “WITHDRAWING my Endorsement of RINO Congressman Jeff Hurd, of Colorado’s 3rd District,” and gave his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to Hope Scheppelman, praising her background as a critical care nurse practitioner, U.S. Navy veteran, and former vice chair of the Colorado Republican Party. Reporting and direct quotes were covered by the Washington Examiner and Mediaite.
Trump framed the move as punishment for Hurd’s failure to support what he called the “unbelievably successful TARIFFS” that he said have strengthened the U.S. economy. He warned Republicans who oppose his tariff plans could face “serious consequences” in future primaries and elections (Washington Examiner).
Hurd’s stance: constitutional limits and Congress’s role
Rep. Jeff Hurd publicly responded after a Supreme Court ruling clarifying the limits of presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). On X (formerly Twitter), Hurd wrote that “Article I assigns Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to impose tariffs,” arguing that “major trade decisions should rest on clear statutory authority, not expansive emergency interpretations.” He said he shares trade goals but that “strong trade enforcement must be grounded in durable legal footing” and that “if tariffs are necessary, Congress should debate them and vote on them directly” (Fox News).
Hurd also voted with lawmakers seeking to roll back certain emergency tariffs, including efforts tied to a bill targeting 25% tariffs imposed on Canada under a national emergency. That vote drew criticism from the Trump campaign and helped spark the public split (Washington Examiner).
Supreme Court ruling and administration response
A 6-3 Supreme Court decision limited the president’s use of IEEPA for certain tariff actions, blocking a planned “Liberation Day” tariff that the administration had announced for April 2025. The ruling narrowed the scope of emergency economic powers the president can use to impose broad trade sanctions and levies (Washington Examiner).
Trump called the decision “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American,” expressing frustration even with justices he had appointed. In response, he announced adjustments to tariff policy, including raising a global tariff rate under other authorities — moves that further divided him from lawmakers seeking congressional debate (Washington Examiner; Fox News).
Who is Hope Scheppelman?
Trump praised Hope Scheppelman as a “distinguished Critical Care Nurse Practitioner,” a “brave U.S. Navy Veteran,” and a former vice chair of the Colorado Republican Party. Scheppelman positions herself as an “America First” candidate supporting aggressive trade enforcement, strong military and veterans’ support, and protection for local industries (Washington Examiner).
She is now the Trump-backed candidate in Colorado’s largely rural 3rd District, which stretches across much of western and southern Colorado and includes voters attentive to national security, veterans’ issues, and protections for agriculture and energy jobs.
Why this matters in Colorado’s 3rd District
Colorado’s 3rd District is geographically large and politically mixed, with a strong rural base valuing local control, energy jobs, and agricultural markets. Tariffs and trade rules can directly affect farmers, ranchers, oil and gas producers, and small manufacturers — making national trade policy a local issue.
“A high-profile break between the former president and an incumbent Republican shifts local attention to national trade policy and constitutional questions about who sets trade rules.”
Implications for the United States
Economic impact
- Farmers and ranchers: Tariffs affect prices and demand for agricultural exports. Higher global tariffs could raise costs for parts and machinery for some producers while protecting others from foreign competition.
- Small business and energy sectors: Local suppliers and manufacturers rely on cross-border trade; sudden tariff changes can raise prices and disrupt supply chains vital to small-town employers.
Political consequences
- Primary fights: Trump’s withdrawal signals he may back primary challengers against Republicans who oppose his policies, increasing pressure on incumbents to align with his trade agenda.
- Congressional authority: Hurd’s call for Congress to vote on tariffs raises constitutional questions about executive vs. legislative power over trade. A shift toward congressional control would reshape GOP debates on executive authority.
Social and local effects
- Voter priorities: Rural conservatives will weigh whether they prefer aggressive trade barriers backed by a former president or a constitutional approach favoring congressional votes.
- Community ties: A contested primary with Trump’s backing can deepen local divisions, increasing activity at town halls, county GOP meetings, and local media.
Cultural relevance
Trump’s messaging frames the shift as defending America from foreign “rip-offs,” which resonates with many rural conservatives. Hurd’s constitutional arguments appeal to conservatives who prioritize separation of powers and rule of law. Both frames are likely to influence voter sentiment.
Practical applications for voters
- What to watch: Follow campaign events, local debates, and statements from both Hurd and Scheppelman on how tariff policy would affect jobs, farms, and local markets.
- How to evaluate claims: Ask candidates for clear plans on which industries they would protect, how they would shield consumers from higher costs, and whether they support seeking congressional votes on major trade moves.
Sources and reporting
This article draws on reporting from the following outlets, which covered Trump’s Truth Social post, Hurd’s statements, the Supreme Court ruling, and the political fallout:
No immediate response from Rep. Hurd’s office was reported at the time of initial coverage. (See Fox News.)
Bottom line
This endorsement reversal sets up a closer, more policy-focused primary in Colorado’s 3rd District and raises broader questions about the balance of power in trade policymaking, the role of congressional oversight, and the political leverage of presidential endorsements.
