Trump pulls endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd in Colorado, backs Hope Scheppelman after tariff dispute
Former President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Colorado Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd and instead endorsed challenger Hope Scheppelman, citing Hurd’s vote to repeal tariffs on Canadian goods and a broader disagreement over tariff policy.
- Trump rescinded his endorsement on Truth Social and endorsed Hope Scheppelman, calling her a “Highly Respected Patriot” and a defender of his tariff agenda — Washington Examiner, Fox News.
- Hurd voted for H.J.Res.72 to repeal 25% tariffs on Canadian goods imposed under an emergency finding, prompting the break — Washington Examiner, Mediaite.
- Legal and political stakes: a Supreme Court ruling limited emergency tariff authority under IEEPA, pushing debate to Congress and spurring Trump to use Section 122 of the Trade Act instead — Fox News, Washington Examiner.
What Trump posted and why he pulled the endorsement
Trump’s Truth Social post accused Rep. Jeff Hurd of putting foreign interests ahead of the United States and of failing to back what Trump called “unbelievably successful TARIFFS” that made “America Richer, Stronger, Bigger, and Better than ever before.” He said Hurd was “one of a small number of Legislators who have let me and our Country down” and declared Hope Scheppelman would “never let you down.” (Source reporting: Washington Examiner.)
“One of a small number of Legislators who have let me and our Country down… Hope Scheppelman will never let you down.” — Truth Social post summarized in reporting
The move was framed by Trump as a matter of loyalty and policy enforcement. He has signaled repeatedly that he will push to remove primary opponents who oppose his tariff agenda, and the endorsement reversal is the latest instance of that approach being executed. (See reporting from Fox News and Mediaite.)
Hurd’s stance: constitutional limits and a vote to repeal tariffs
Rep. Jeff Hurd defended his vote and public comments by pointing to the Constitution and a recent Supreme Court ruling that limited presidential tariff authority under IEEPA. Hurd wrote on X that “Article I assigns Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to impose tariffs,” arguing major trade decisions should rest on clear statutory authority from Congress rather than broad emergency interpretations. (Reported by Fox News.)
Hurd voted for H.J.Res.72, repealing the 25% tariffs on Canadian goods imposed under an emergency finding. That vote passed and served as a direct rebuke of unilateral emergency tariff use, drawing criticism from Trump-aligned supporters and praise from those emphasizing constitutional checks and durable legal footing for trade policy. (See Washington Examiner and Mediaite.)
The Supreme Court decision and the legal debate
A 6-3 Supreme Court ruling narrowed the scope of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), constraining broader emergency tariffs and reshaping the debate over presidential versus congressional authority on trade. The ruling prompted strong reactions and immediate policy shifts. (Reporting summarized at Washington Examiner.)
In response, Trump used Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to raise a worldwide tariff to 15%, signaling an escalation and underscoring the centrality of tariff policy to his economic platform. Supporters argue presidential flexibility is needed to protect U.S. industries; critics insist such sweeping measures require Congress. (See Fox News.)
Who is Hope Scheppelman?
Trump lauded Scheppelman as a “Highly Respected Patriot”. Her background includes service as a critical care nurse practitioner, U.S. Navy veteran and former vice chairwoman of the Colorado Republican Party. Her profile — military service, health-care credentials and party leadership — alters the dynamics of the Republican primary in Colorado’s 3rd District and presents a message likely to resonate with conservative primary voters who favor strong national defense and firm trade enforcement. (Source: Washington Examiner.)
Political stakes and the rarity of the move
Pulling an endorsement of a sitting GOP congressman is rare for Trump and signals his intent to shape primaries to enforce loyalty on his signature tariff policy. Local and national Republicans see this as a test: will primary voters back a lawmaker who cites constitutional checks and balances, or follow Trump’s lead in favoring a challenger committed to his trade agenda? (Coverage: Fox News, Mediaite.)
Implications for Paso Robles, California
Economic impact: Paso Robles’ farming and wine industries depend on global supply chains for equipment, bottles and labels. Higher or more targeted tariffs could raise input costs, compress margins for small businesses, and risk retaliatory measures abroad that hurt exports.
Political consequences: Local conservative voters may prioritize candidates who align with Trump’s tariff stance or, alternatively, support representatives who emphasize congressional authority and constitutional process.
Social effects: Tariff-driven price increases can strain household budgets and tourism-dependent sectors; conversely, some residents may welcome protective measures that aim to preserve local jobs.
Practical applications: Paso Robles businesses should monitor primary outcomes and consider sourcing and pricing strategies; local voters can expect intensified discussion of national trade policy at GOP events and candidate forums.
