In a move that signals heightening tensions within the Republican Party, former President Donald Trump officially withdrew his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd, who represents Colorado’s 3rd District. The announcement, made via Trump’s social media platform, cited the congressman’s refusal to support the administration’s aggressive tariff policies as the primary catalyst for the split. Trump labeled Hurd a “RINO” (Republican in Name Only), accusing him of prioritizing foreign interests over the economic prosperity of the United States. This decision highlights the former president’s continued demand for absolute alignment on trade and executive authority from within his party’s ranks.
The dispute stems from Hurd’s decision to vote with Democrats to repeal specific portions of Trump’s tariff agenda, which targeted foreign companies and nations. Hurd was one of six House Republicans who supported a resolution to terminate the national emergency authority that underpinned these trade measures. Defending his legislative record, Hurd emphasized constitutional principles, arguing that Congress holds the primary authority over trade matters. He warned that normalizing broad executive emergency powers sets a dangerous precedent that future presidents could exploit, asserting that his responsibility is to the separation of powers rather than political convenience. With the June 30 primary approaching, Trump has shifted his support to Hope Scheppelman, a U.S. Navy veteran and critical care nurse practitioner. Trump described Scheppelman as a “Highly Respected Patriot” who fully embraces “America First” policies, including border security, tax cuts, and election integrity. By endorsing a challenger, Trump aims to replace Hurd with a candidate more committed to his populist economic vision. This marks a rare occurrence in Trump’s political career; he noted that he has only rescinded an endorsement once before, specifically in the case of former Alabama Rep. Mo Brooks. The timing of the endorsement withdrawal is particularly significant, occurring just twenty-four hours after a Supreme Court 6-3 decision that struck down a majority of Trump’s tariffs. The Court ruled that the administration had exceeded its legal authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977. In a defiant response to the ruling, Trump announced on Saturday that he would increase universal import tariffs to 15%, utilizing alternative authorities already granted by Congress. This escalation confirms that protectionist trade policy will remain a cornerstone of his platform. As the political landscape in Colorado shifts, the contest between Hurd and Scheppelman will serve as a significant test of Trump’s influence over local GOP voters. While Hurd maintains that institutional consistency matters more than the occupant of the White House, the former president is betting that his base will choose loyalty to his economic agenda over traditional constitutional interpretations of trade authority. The outcome of the Colorado primary will likely provide further clarity on the future direction of the Republican Party regarding executive power and global trade.
