Trump yanks Hurd endorsement, backs challenger after showdown over tariffs and constitutional authority
In a rare and significant move, former President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd and instead backed Hope Scheppelman after a public clash over tariffs and the constitutional authority to set trade policy in Colorado’s 3rd District.
Key takeaways
- Trump publicly rescinded his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd and endorsed Hope Scheppelman, calling her a “Highly Respected Patriot.” (Washington Examiner; Fox News)
- The split followed Hurd’s public defense of Congress’s constitutional role over tariffs after a Supreme Court decision limited presidential emergency powers. (Fox News)
- Trump pledged a new global tariff of 15% under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and labeled Hurd a “RINO.” (Washington Examiner)
- This marks a rare endorsement withdrawal — only the second formal reversal of a sitting Republican endorsement by Trump. (Mediaite; Fox News)
Trump’s move and what he said
Former President Trump posted on Truth Social that he was “WITHDRAWING my Endorsement of RINO Congressman Jeff Hurd, of Colorado’s 3rd District,” and was instead “fully Endorsing Highly Respected Patriot, Hope Scheppelman, to take his place in Congress.” He accused Hurd of siding with foreign interests and hailed his tariff program as “unbelievably successful” for the United States. (Washington Examiner; Fox News)
“NEVER LET YOU DOWN,” Trump wrote of Scheppelman, praising her background as a U.S. Navy veteran, a critical care nurse practitioner, and a former vice chair of the Colorado Republican Party. (Washington Examiner)
Hurd’s position and the legal trigger
Rep. Jeff Hurd posted on X after a Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the president’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Hurd emphasized Article I of the Constitution — that Congress holds authority over foreign commerce and tariffs — and argued that “major trade decisions should rest on clear statutory authority, not expansive emergency interpretations.” (Fox News)
Hurd said the ruling “clarified the scope of IEEPA” and stressed that trade enforcement should rest on durable legal footing, reflecting a conservative emphasis on separation of powers.
A vote that mattered: Hurd and H.J.Res.72
Hurd voted to repeal the former 25% tariffs on Canada via H.J.Res.72, a bipartisan repeal that drew Trump’s ire and set the stage for the endorsement reversal. That vote signaled willingness to challenge parts of the administration’s tariff agenda even while expressing support for strong trade enforcement grounded in law. (Washington Examiner)
Tariff politics and the broader GOP
The reversal spotlights a deeper GOP debate over trade. Since 2016, Trump’s approach — higher tariffs and tougher stances — has become central to a sizable portion of the base. Supporters say tariffs protect American jobs; critics warn of higher prices and strained relations.
After the court ruling, Trump announced he would raise a new global tariff to 15% under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows tariff action for national security reasons following a USTR investigation. The move signals continued commitment to a muscular trade posture despite legal and legislative pushback. (Washington Examiner; Fox News)
The rarity of a pulled endorsement
Trump’s withdrawal of support for a sitting Republican incumbent is unusual; media reports note this is only the second formal reversal, the other being his split with Rep. Mo Brooks in 2022. The action serves as a warning to incumbents who break with Trump on high-profile policy issues. (Fox News; Mediaite)
Campaign implications and reactions
As of reporting, Hurd’s office had not immediately issued a public response to follow-up inquiries. With Trump’s nod, Scheppelman gains national attention, likely campaign resources, and support from pro-Trump groups focused on nominating challengers who back the America First trade agenda. Detailed spending and response plans have not yet been publicly reported. (Washington Examiner; Fox News)
Implications for Redding, California
Though the fight centers on Colorado, tariff policy is national and can affect regions like Redding. Below are implications across economic, political, social, and cultural lines.
Economic impact
- Local businesses and consumers in Redding could face higher costs if national tariffs raise prices on imported goods, affecting electronics, machinery parts and other items tied to global supply chains.
- Small businesses that import materials may see increased bills that could be passed to customers in Northern California.
Political consequences
- Conservative voters in Redding who favor strong trade enforcement may welcome Trump’s move and Scheppelman’s endorsement, potentially redirecting donors and activists.
- Officials and business leaders worried about tariffs’ cost impact may press representatives for measured approaches and legal certainty — a point Hurd emphasized.
Social and community effects
Local civic groups and GOP chapters may feel pressure to take sides. The dispute could energize base turnout while alienating moderates and independents, and it may spur discussions about workforce development and manufacturing support in Shasta County.
Cultural relevance
For conservative readers in Redding, the clash frames as a choice between patriotic protectionism (Trump and Scheppelman) and constitutional conservatism (Hurd’s call for congressional action) — both potent appeals to different GOP constituencies.
Practical applications
- Voters should monitor proposed tariff changes and their representatives’ votes to understand local price and supply-chain impacts.
- Local chambers of commerce can press for clarity on trade policy affecting regional supply chains.
- Activists should note how presidential endorsements can quickly reshape primaries and be prepared to mobilize donors and volunteers.
