Trump yanks Hurd endorsement over tariffs, backs Hope Scheppelman in Colorado 3rd Congressional District
Former President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd over Hurd’s opposition to Trump’s tariff agenda, instead endorsing challenger Hope Scheppelman in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District — a move sharpening GOP battles over trade and loyalty.
Key takeaways
- Trump withdrew his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd on Truth Social, calling Hurd a “RINO” and endorsing Hope Scheppelman instead — a rare public reversal in support. Washington Examiner
- The split followed Hurd’s constitutional argument that major tariff decisions belong to Congress after the Supreme Court limited presidential IEEPA authority. Fox News
- Political signal: Trump’s move warns Republicans that opposing his tariff agenda could cost incumbents his support and invites primary challenges. Mediaite
What happened and why it matters
Former President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he was “WITHDRAWING my Endorsement of RINO Congressman Jeff Hurd, of Colorado’s 3rd District, and fully Endorsing Highly Respected Patriot, Hope Scheppelman, to take his place in Congress.” Trump framed the decision as a response to Hurd’s lack of support for the administration’s tariff policies and emphasized Scheppelman’s alignment with “America First” priorities.
What Trump posted and why it mattered
Trump’s message was direct and framed as a loyalty test on trade policy. He called Hurd a “RINO” and praised Hope Scheppelman as a U.S. Navy veteran, critical care nurse practitioner and former vice chair of the Colorado GOP who supports America First policies. The post underscored tariffs as a central campaign issue and warned other Republicans that breaking with Trump’s tariff agenda may invite primary challenges. Washington Examiner
“WITHDRAWING my Endorsement of RINO Congressman Jeff Hurd, of Colorado’s 3rd District, and fully Endorsing Highly Respected Patriot, Hope Scheppelman, to take his place in Congress.”
Hurd’s reaction: constitutional argument and legal caution
Rep. Jeff Hurd publicly emphasized the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision limiting presidential tariff authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), saying the ruling “clarified the scope of IEEPA.” Hurd argued that Article I vests Congress with the power to regulate foreign commerce and that major trade actions require clear statutory authority and congressional debate. He also voted with Democrats on a measure repealing certain emergency-era tariffs — a vote that appears central to Trump’s rebuke. Fox News and Washington Examiner
Legal background: the Supreme Court ruling and competing authorities
The Supreme Court limited the executive branch’s use of IEEPA to impose broad tariff measures, prompting debate within the GOP about whether the president can act unilaterally on major trade policy or whether Congress must lead. Trump criticized the ruling and then sought to raise a worldwide tariff from 10% to 15% using Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 as an alternate legal path. Washington Examiner
How the Republican battlefield could shift
This reversal is notable because Trump rarely withdraws endorsements for sitting Republicans — Mediaite reports it’s only the second known withdrawal since he pulled Mo Brooks’ endorsement in 2022. The decision signals to Republicans that public opposition to Trump’s tariff push could trigger targeted primary challenges and loss of an influential national endorsement. Mediaite
Implications for San Diego, California
Although the dispute centers on Colorado, national tariff policy affects regional economies. San Diego — a major trade and logistics hub on the U.S.-Mexico border — could experience economic, political and social ripple effects from broader tariff shifts.
Economic impact
San Diego’s ports, manufacturers and cross-border supply chains face potential cost increases if tariffs rise. Importers and exporters may encounter higher input costs, which can raise consumer prices and squeeze margins for local manufacturers and tech firms. Tourism and cross-border commerce may feel indirect strains as shipping and goods costs shift.
Political consequences
San Diego’s diverse, pragmatic electorate may respond to the constitutional argument Hurd raised: many voters prefer major economic decisions to have clear legal grounding and congressional debate. A national GOP split over tariffs could force local Republicans to choose between defending congressional authority or embracing tougher tariffs to secure national party backing.
Social effects
Rising prices on imported goods can reduce household budgets in a region already facing high living costs. Workers in international supply chains may worry about job stability if tariffs provoke retaliation or supply-chain shifts.
Cultural relevance
San Diego’s identity — military ties, cross-border families and international commerce — could influence local responses to confrontational trade messaging. Community leaders, business groups and trade organizations may publicly stress the need for clear law and predictable rules to protect local interests.
Practical applications for residents
- Businesses: Review contracts and supply chains to plan for potential tariff-driven cost and schedule changes.
- Consumers: Watch for price changes on imported goods and adjust household budgets if needed.
- Voters: Expect national tariff debates to be reflected in local candidate messaging; moderates may seek balance between protection and legal stability.
- Local leaders: Increase outreach to affected industries and coordinate with trade groups to mitigate impacts.
Naming and reporting notes
Some outlets misnamed Rep. Jeff Hurd as “Jim Hurd” in coverage; that appears to be a reporting error rather than reference to a different individual. Mediaite
Sources and reporting
This article draws from contemporaneous reporting: Washington Examiner, Fox News, and Mediaite. Hurd’s statements appeared on X and Trump’s announcement appeared on Truth Social, as reported in the linked stories.
