Trump pulls endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd, backs challenger after clash over tariffs
Former President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Colorado Rep. Jeff Hurd on Saturday, citing Hurd’s opposition to his tariff policies, and instead offered his “complete and total endorsement” to challenger Hope Scheppelman via Truth Social.
Key takeaways
- Trump rescinded his backing of Rep. Jeff Hurd and endorsed Hope Scheppelman, calling her a “Highly Respected Patriot” (Sources: Washington Examiner, Fox News, Mediaite).
- The split followed Hurd’s vote to repeal certain tariffs and his argument that Congress — not the president alone — should make major trade decisions after a Supreme Court ruling limited presidential tariff authority (Sources: Washington Examiner, Fox News).
- This is a rare public break by Trump — only the second time he’s rescinded support for a sitting Republican — and it raises the stakes in Colorado’s 3rd District primary.
Main story
Trump’s action and rationale
On Truth Social, Trump framed the move as a matter of loyalty to a hawkish trade stance he asserts has rebuilt American industry. He said he was withdrawing his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd and instead giving his “complete and total endorsement” to Hope Scheppelman, calling her a “Highly Respected Patriot.”
“These people have been ripping us off for decades,” Trump wrote, accusing Hurd of siding with “Foreign Countries” and labeling him a “RINO” for supporting legislative limits on tariff authority.
Trump defended tariffs as making America “Richer, Stronger, Bigger, and Better than ever before” and said withdrawing endorsements is difficult but necessary when incumbents oppose his agenda. After the Supreme Court decision narrowing the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Trump announced an immediate increase in his worldwide tariff level from 10% to 15% under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, and criticized both the Court and Hurd for not supporting his approach (Source: Washington Examiner, Fox News).
Why Hurd pushed back
Rep. Jeff Hurd responded on X after the Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing constitutional limits: “Article I assigns Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to impose tariffs.” He argued that major trade decisions require clear statutory authority and that durable legal footing is essential for long-term trade policy. Hurd said he shares the broader trade goals but insisted that if tariffs are needed, Congress should debate and vote on them directly — a stance rooted in separation of powers (Sources: Washington Examiner, Fox News).
Legal backdrop: the Supreme Court and IEEPA
The Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling narrowed the scope of IEEPA, undercutting broad emergency tariff authority the administration invoked. The decision rejected the idea that the president can use emergency economic powers for sweeping trade policy without clear congressional authorization. Lawmakers like Hurd cited the ruling in arguing that trade policy belongs in Congress under Article I. In response, Trump and allies cited other statutory authorities — notably Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 — to continue imposing tariffs (Source: Washington Examiner).
The immediate political stakes
This public break is exceptional. Reporters note it’s only the second time Trump has pulled an endorsement of a sitting Republican incumbent, after Rep. Mo Brooks in 2022. The reversal makes Hurd’s path in the Colorado Republican primary more difficult: Trump’s endorsement influences many primary voters who support hardline “America First” trade policies, and the former president has signaled he will punish Republicans who oppose his trade moves (Sources: Washington Examiner, Mediaite).
Who is Hope Scheppelman?
Trump named Hope Scheppelman as his new choice in Colorado’s 3rd District. In his statement he described her as a U.S. Navy veteran, a critical care nurse practitioner, and a former vice chairwoman of the Colorado Republican Party. He highlighted her support for “America First” policies, strong defense and veterans’ issues, and “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Scheppelman has positioned herself as a conservative alternative to Hurd and is likely to draw Trump-aligned primary voters’ attention (Sources: Washington Examiner, Fox News).
Reactions and broader context
There was not an immediate comment from Hurd’s office responding to Trump’s withdrawal of support, according to media reports. Analysts say the episode underscores a growing rift within the Republican Party between proponents of aggressive unilateral executive trade action and lawmakers who emphasize constitutional limits and legislative roles. Trump’s move also signals to incumbents that support for his tariff policy may determine whether they retain his backing in primaries (Sources: Fox News, Washington Examiner).
Implications for Alamogordo, New Mexico
Economic impact
- Local businesses and consumers in Alamogordo could feel indirect effects if tariff policy remains a national priority — import costs may rise for electronics, auto parts and other goods, while some domestic producers may benefit.
- The agricultural and energy sectors in New Mexico monitor trade closely; retaliation or shifting market access could affect local exporters, while stronger protection could support domestic manufacturing jobs.
Political consequences
- Trump’s public discipline of a Republican incumbent sends a message to local Republican officials and candidates: aligning with the former president on trade can be decisive in primaries.
- Local Republicans who emphasize constitutional checks and balances may find Hurd’s emphasis on congressional authority resonates, potentially creating intra-party tension.
Social and cultural effects
- Alamogordo’s veteran-heavy culture may respond to Trump’s endorsement of a veteran candidate like Scheppelman, who highlights military and veteran support.
- The tariff debate shapes conversations about patriotism and national strength; hardline trade policy may appeal to voters prioritizing domestic jobs and industry protection.
Practical advice for residents
- Expect trade policy to be a campaign issue in the Colorado Republican primary; candidates’ tariff positions may influence town halls and voting decisions.
- Businesses reliant on imports should evaluate potential cost exposure and seek guidance from chambers of commerce and representatives if tariff policy hardens.
Sources and further reading
- Washington Examiner: Trump yanks endorsement of Colorado Republican
- Fox News: Trump pulls endorsement of GOP lawmaker over alleged lack of support for tariff agenda
- Mediaite: Trump yanks endorsement for Republican lawmaker over lack of support for tariffs
- Additional reference on market commentary and presidential tariff notices
Reporting notes
This article draws on public posts by President Trump on Truth Social and by Rep. Jeff Hurd on X, and on reporting from Washington Examiner, Fox News and Mediaite. Hurd’s office did not immediately respond to inquiries; no further statements from the Scheppelman campaign were available at press time.
