Trump yanks Hurd endorsement Colorado after tariff dispute, fully endorses Hope Scheppelman
Former President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd after Hurd voted to repeal 25% Canadian tariffs, then endorsed challenger Hope Scheppelman, citing loyalty to the administration’s tariff agenda and strong trade enforcement.
Key takeaways
- Endorsement shift: Trump pulled support for Rep. Jeff Hurd on Truth Social and announced his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Hope Scheppelman, criticizing Hurd’s stance on tariffs (Washington Examiner, Fox News).
- Congress vs. president: Hurd voted with Democrats for H.J.Res.72 to repeal a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and argued Article I gives Congress authority over trade (Washington Examiner, Mediaite).
- Legal backdrop: A 6-3 Supreme Court ruling limited IEEPA-based tariff authority; Trump then raised a global tariff rate under the Trade Act of 1974 and reacted angrily to the decision (Washington Examiner, Fox News).
What happened: Trump yanks Hurd endorsement Colorado
Saturday development: On Truth Social, Trump announced he was withdrawing his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd and declared his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of challenger Hope Scheppelman. Trump framed the move around trade policy, saying Hurd had not supported the administration’s tariff agenda and calling the tariffs “unbelievably successful.” Reporting: Washington Examiner, Fox News.
Hurd’s vote and public stance
Rep. Jeff Hurd joined Democrats to pass H.J.Res.72, a joint resolution repealing a 25% tariff on Canadian goods that had been imposed under a national emergency declaration. The vote drew swift criticism from Trump allies because it broke with the administration’s tariff approach (Washington Examiner, Mediaite).
After the Supreme Court ruling, Hurd posted on X that Article I assigns Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to impose tariffs
, arguing major trade decisions require clear statutory authority rather than broad emergency powers like IEEPA. Hurd said he shares many trade goals with Trump but insisted on “durable legal footing” for enforcement (Fox News).
Supreme Court decision and Trump’s response
A 6-3 Supreme Court ruling narrowed the president’s ability to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping tariffs, including plans tied to the so-called “Liberation Day” levies. The decision emphasized that lawmakers must provide clear legal authority for major trade actions (Washington Examiner).
Trump criticized the court as “ridiculous” and some justices he appointed. Hours before pulling his endorsement of Hurd, Trump moved to raise a global tariff rate to 15% under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 — an effort to shore up trade powers through a different statute (Fox News).
Trump’s rare public break with an incumbent
Trump has infrequently rescinded endorsements of sitting Republicans; notable prior examples include his withdrawal of support for Rep. Mo Brooks in 2022. The Hurd reversal is thus a striking test of how closely House Republicans must align with Trump-style trade policy to retain his backing (Mediaite).
Who is Hope Scheppelman? — Hope Scheppelman endorsed
Trump described Scheppelman as a “Highly Respected Patriot”, noting her background as a U.S. Navy veteran, a critical care nurse practitioner, and a former Colorado GOP vice chairwoman. Scheppelman has voiced support for “America First” policies and strong trade enforcement, positions that align with Trump’s message (Washington Examiner, Fox News).
Campaign response and context
Hurd had previously received Trump’s endorsement. He characterized his vote to repeal the Canada tariffs and his call for congressional authority as fidelity to the Constitution rather than an attack on trade goals. As of reporting, Hurd’s office offered no additional comment beyond public posts and votes (Fox News, Washington Examiner).
Why this matters for Republicans and voters
The dispute centers on two core questions: who decides major trade policy, and how closely House Republicans must follow Trump’s priorities to keep his support. Hurd’s stance reflects a constitutionalist view that Congress — not the president acting under broad emergency powers — should set tariffs. Trump’s reaction signals that deviation from his trade agenda can trigger primary challenges backed by his endorsement power.
Sources and reporting
Details of Trump’s Truth Social post and the endorsement shift were reported by Washington Examiner, Fox News and Mediaite. Coverage of Hurd’s vote on H.J.Res.72 and his posts on X were reported across the same outlets.
Implications for the Inland Empire
Economic impact
Tariff and trade policy shifts can affect consumer prices and jobs in the Inland Empire, a region with major logistics hubs and distribution centers. Higher global tariffs could raise input and shipping costs, alter supply chains, and influence employment in logistics and manufacturing.
Political consequences
The Trump–Hurd rift mirrors a national dynamic. Inland Empire voters may watch primary contests to see if candidates prioritize Trump-aligned trade methods or congressional authority and checks and balances. Local campaigns may be pressured to clarify their positions on trade and presidential power.
Social effects
Tariff debates raise discussions on jobs, prices and the role of government. Communities dependent on goods-moving jobs could feel the impact of tariff-driven economic shifts. Public trust in institutions — Congress, the presidency and the courts — may influence voter choices.
Cultural relevance
The Inland Empire’s culture values practical outcomes: jobs, cost of living and stable supply chains. How tariff disputes translate into real costs and employment will shape local reactions and candidate messaging.
Practical applications for residents
- Watch for price and shipping changes tied to trade policy shifts.
- Local businesses should review supply chains and contingency plans if tariffs rise.
- Voters should ask candidates about the balance of power between Congress and the presidency on trade.
Reporting note
This article is based on reporting from Washington Examiner, Fox News and Mediaite, including Trump’s Truth Social post and Hurd’s public statements on X.
