Trump pulls backing of Colorado GOP Rep. Jeff Hurd over tariffs, throws support to Hope Scheppelman
Former President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Colorado Rep. Jeff Hurd, citing Hurd’s opposition to Trump’s tariff policies, and instead endorsed challenger Hope Scheppelman, highlighting GOP divisions over tariffs and presidential trade authority this week.
Key takeaways
- Trump rescinded his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd and now backs Hope Scheppelman, blaming Hurd’s opposition to the administration’s tariff agenda (Washington Examiner, Fox News, Mediaite).
- Supreme Court ruling limiting IEEPA presidential authority and Hurd’s call for congressional action fueled the split (Washington Examiner, Fox News).
- Hurd voted with Democrats to repeal the 25% tariffs on Canada and emphasized Congress’s role in trade decisions (Fox News, Mediaite).
- This is a rare public reversal — only the second known time Trump has pulled an endorsement of a sitting Republican — underscoring intra-party tensions over “America First” trade policy (Washington Examiner).
What Trump said and why he reversed course
On his platform, Trump accused Hurd of abandoning the administration’s tariff push and protecting foreign competitors rather than the United States. In a public post Trump called Hurd a “RINO” and declared he was “WITHDRAWING my Endorsement” while “fully Endorsing Highly Respected Patriot, Hope Scheppelman, to take his place in Congress.”
Sources reporting the Truth Social post and Trump’s comments include Washington Examiner.
Administration tariff actions and the legal backdrop
The reversal follows aggressive White House steps: a 25% tariff on Canada tied to a national emergency declaration and proposals for a worldwide tariff rate initially set lower and later increased. After the Supreme Court limited the president’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for some tariffs, the administration said it would rely on alternative statutory authorities, including Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, to pursue tariff measures (Washington Examiner, Fox News).
Hurd’s stance: constitutional limits and congressional role
Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), representing the largely rural 3rd District, argued the Supreme Court’s decision clarified IEEPA’s scope and reiterated that Article I assigns Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and impose tariffs. He emphasized that major trade decisions should rest on clear statutory authority and said if tariffs are needed, “Congress should debate them and vote on them directly.”
Hurd also voted with Democrats on H.J.Res.72, a resolution to repeal the Canada tariffs. When asked about Trump’s endorsement reversal, Hurd’s office had no immediate new comment; he framed his position as defending constitutional separation of powers rather than opposing stronger trade enforcement (Fox News, Mediaite).
Who is Hope Scheppelman?
Hope Scheppelman is a Navy veteran, former vice chairwoman of the Colorado GOP and a critical care nurse practitioner. Trump described her as a “Highly Respected Patriot” who supports “America First Policies” and pledged she “WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN.” Scheppelman now benefits from Trump’s endorsement in this rare public withdrawal of support for an incumbent (Washington Examiner, Fox News, Mediaite).
A rare and public split
This reversal is only the second known instance where Trump has pulled an endorsement of a sitting Republican (the prior instance involved Rep. Mo Brooks in 2022). The public nature of the split highlights internal GOP tensions between lawmakers who back a trade-first agenda and those who prioritize constitutional limits or worry about economic fallout from broad tariffs (Washington Examiner).
Implications for The World
Economic impact
Global trade markets closely watch U.S. policy. Continued tariff moves amid congressional or judicial pushback could create uncertainty for supply chains, raise costs for businesses and consumers, and prompt retaliatory measures from trade partners, potentially slowing trade and growth (Washington Examiner, Fox News).
Political consequences
The endorsement flip signals party leaders may pressure Republicans to align on trade, pushing some lawmakers toward a harder line on tariffs. It also underscores tensions between executive action and legislative oversight, with potential ripple effects in allied democracies and trade partners (Washington Examiner, Mediaite).
Social effects and cultural relevance
Communities dependent on trade — farmers, manufacturers, energy producers — face heightened anxiety about sudden policy shifts. The clash also reflects a broader cultural debate over nationalist, populist policies vs. multilateral cooperation, a trend visible in politics globally (Mediaite, Washington Examiner).
Practical applications
For policymakers and businesses, the episode underscores the need for clear legal authority and contingency planning. Firms should anticipate policy shifts and legal challenges. Lawmakers may pursue clearer statutory definitions of trade powers, and voters in swing and rural districts should expect tariff policy to become a litmus test in GOP primaries and general elections (Fox News, Washington Examiner, Mediaite).
Reporting note
This article draws on reporting by Washington Examiner, Fox News and Mediaite. Sources include Trump’s Truth Social post, Rep. Hurd’s posts on X, congressional actions such as H.J.Res.72, and coverage of the Supreme Court decision limiting IEEPA-based tariffs. As of publication, Hurd’s office had no new public comment.
