Trump yanks Hurd endorsement after Hurd tariff vote, backs Hope Scheppelman in Colorado race
President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Colorado Rep. Jeff Hurd after Hurd voted to repeal tariffs on Canadian goods; Trump instead endorsed Navy veteran Hope Scheppelman amid a Supreme Court ruling limiting presidential tariff authority.
- Trump rescinded his endorsement on Truth Social, criticizing Hurd’s trade vote and branding him a “RINO” (Washington Examiner, Fox News).
- Trump endorsed Hope Scheppelman, a Navy veteran and former Colorado GOP vice chair, calling her a “Highly Respected Patriot” and praising her service (Washington Examiner, Fox News).
- The break followed Hurd’s vote on H.J.Res.72 to repeal 25% tariffs on Canadian imports and a Supreme Court ruling narrowing presidential tariff power under IEEPA (Washington Examiner, Fox News).
- Trump plans to shift strategy by pursuing a global tariff increase under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, a move he says responds to the Supreme Court’s 6–3 ruling (Washington Examiner).
The endorsement withdrawal
On Truth Social, Trump criticized Hurd for what he described as disloyalty on trade policy, saying Hurd was among “a small number of Legislators who have let me and our Country down.” He accused Hurd of being “more interested in protecting Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades than he is the United States of America,” declared he was “WITHDRAWING” his endorsement and named Hope Scheppelman as his new pick for Colorado’s 3rd District (Washington Examiner, Fox News).
Hope Scheppelman is a Navy veteran who served in Colorado GOP leadership; Trump called her a “distinguished Critical Care Nurse Practitioner” and vowed she would “NEVER LET YOU DOWN” while supporting “America First” policies. Scheppelman has not previously held federal office (Washington Examiner, Fox News).
Hurd’s stance and the constitutional dispute
The immediate cause was Hurd’s vote on H.J.Res.72 to repeal a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. Hurd posted on X that “The Supreme Court has clarified the scope of IEEPA, and that clarification matters,” and pointed to Article I of the Constitution assigning Congress the power to regulate foreign commerce and impose tariffs (Fox News).
Hurd emphasized that while he shares broad trade goals similar to those Trump promotes, enforcement and policy must have durable legal footing. His position reflects the constitutional argument that Article I vests tariff authority in Congress, not unilateral executive emergency powers (Washington Examiner).
The Supreme Court’s decision
The Supreme Court issued a 6–3 decision limiting the president’s ability to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a ruling described as a significant restraint on unilateral executive trade action. The decision prompted swift political responses in Congress and the White House (Washington Examiner).
Trump called the ruling “ridiculous, poorly written, and extraordinarily anti-American” and criticized justices he appointed; he then announced plans to pursue a tariff increase under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
Political context and rarity of the move
Withdrawing an endorsement is rare for Trump; media reports note this is only the second time he has rescinded backing, the previous case being Rep. Mo Brooks of Alabama in 2022 after Brooks shifted on election-integrity claims, a move that analysts say signaled how trade policy functions as a litmus test for Republican loyalty (Mediaite, Fox News).
The shift highlights intra-party tensions between lawmakers who favor strong executive trade action and those insisting on congressional oversight and statutory authorization. For incumbents like Hurd, choosing legal prudence can split local supporters who both back Trump’s trade aims and worry about constitutional risk.
What this means for the Colorado race
Trump’s endorsement elevates Scheppelman in Colorado’s expansive 3rd District, drawing national attention, reshaping primary dynamics and potentially altering fundraising flows. Hurd now faces a challenger with presidential backing and state party ties, which may change campaign messaging and resource allocation (Washington Examiner).
Implications for Sonoma, California
Economic impact: Sonoma County’s agriculture-, wine- and tourism-driven economy could feel effects from national tariff shifts — higher input costs, supply-chain disruptions and potential export retaliation for wine producers. Local businesses should review supply chains and contingency plans (Washington Examiner).
Political consequences: Though this is a Colorado contest, debates over separation of powers matter to Sonoma voters. Officials and donors may weigh Hurd’s constitutional argument against Scheppelman’s Trump-backed “America First” stance when making endorsements or funding decisions (Fox News).
Social and cultural effects: Workers in agriculture, hospitality and logistics could face indirect wage and employment impacts if tariffs shift. Local debates will likely frame national trade policy as questions about protecting small producers, environmental stewardship and economic resilience.
Reporting and sources
This article draws on reporting from Times Media Service and national outlets covering the endorsement reversal, legislative votes and the Supreme Court ruling. Key sources include Washington Examiner, Fox News, and Mediaite.
Political watchers in Sonoma and nationwide will track how this dispute over tariffs, constitutional authority and party loyalty unfolds in the months ahead.
