Trump yanks endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd, backs Hope Scheppelman after tariff policy clash
Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd, citing Hurd’s opposition to his tariff policies, and instead endorsed Navy veteran Hope Scheppelman to challenge Hurd in Colorado’s 3rd District amid a dispute over 25% tariffs on Canadian goods.
- Presidential shift: Trump withdrew support for Rep. Jeff Hurd and endorsed Hope Scheppelman; reporting by Washington Examiner and Fox News.
- Policy trigger: The split followed Hurd’s vote on H.J.Res.72 to repeal a 25% tariff on Canadian goods and a Supreme Court decision limiting IEEPA authority; coverage by Mediaite and Washington Examiner.
- Legal pivot: After the court ruling, the administration signaled it would pursue tariff authority under other statutes, including a global tariff move reported by Fox News.
- Local stakes: The endorsement change could spur outside money and a contested primary in Colorado’s 3rd District while drawing attention from Republican factions nationwide.
What Trump said and why he acted
On Truth Social, Trump declared he was “WITHDRAWING my Endorsement of RINO Congressman Jeff Hurd, of Colorado’s 3rd District” because Hurd did not support “the unbelievably successful TARIFFS imposed on Foreign Countries and Companies.” The announcement praised Hope Scheppelman as a “Highly Respected Patriot” who would back America First trade policies. Reporting and the social post are discussed by Washington Examiner.
A rare public break
Trump framed the move as uncommon, noting only one previous withdrawal of support in recent years. Media coverage highlights that a public split between the former president and a sitting Republican lawmaker is notable and may carry political consequences. See Fox News for context.
Hurd’s constitutional argument and his vote
Rep. Jeff Hurd responded by invoking the Constitution. On X, Hurd noted that “Article I assigns Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to impose tariffs,” arguing major trade decisions require clear statutory authority and congressional debate rather than expansive emergency interpretations.
Hurd’s position followed his vote for a measure that repealed the administration’s 25% tariff on Canadian goods (H.J.Res.72), a move described in Washington Examiner and Mediaite.
Tariff policy, legal limits and the court ruling
The dispute intensified after a 6-3 Supreme Court decision that narrowed the president’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for tariffs. That ruling prompted debate about separation of powers and Congress’s Article I authority. Coverage of the ruling’s implications is available from Washington Examiner.
In response, the administration announced it would pursue a global tariff raise to 10% and then 15% under alternative legal authority, including Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Critics and supporters alike are debating the scope of executive trade powers versus the role of Congress; reporting on that pivot appears in Fox News.
Endorsement of Hope Scheppelman and the local GOP fight
Trump’s replacement endorsement went to Hope Scheppelman, a Navy veteran, former vice chair of the Colorado Republican Party, and a critical care nurse practitioner. Trump described her as someone who “knows the America First Policies required” and would support his tariff positions; initial reporting is in Washington Examiner and Fox News.
For Hurd, losing a presidential endorsement can complicate re-election plans by inviting outside spending, energizing primary challengers, and altering local fundraising dynamics—factors commonly observed when party unity frays.
How this fits into broader Republican divisions
The clash highlights a widening rift in the GOP over trade strategy and executive authority. Some Republicans favor aggressive tariffs as leverage, while others emphasize constitutional checks and prefer congressional debate. This disagreement reflects both policy and strategic tensions within the party; see analysis in Mediaite.
Implications for Las Vegas, Nevada
Economic impact
National tariff shifts could raise costs for Nevada businesses that import goods or depend on supply chains with Canada and other partners. Higher global tariffs may raise prices for construction materials, electronics and retail items used by hotels, casinos and consumers in Las Vegas, affecting margins and potentially passing modest costs to tourists and residents (Fox News).
Political consequences
Urban, moderate voters in Las Vegas may view the dispute as emblematic of intraparty debates over executive action vs. congressional oversight. Nevada Republicans and business groups will likely monitor whether national leaders reward or punish lawmakers who resist unilateral tariff moves (Washington Examiner).
Social and community effects
If tariffs push up prices on everyday goods, public concern about inflation and cost of living could grow. Community groups advocating for small businesses may press local representatives for clear trade stances to protect regional industries and households (Mediaite).
Cultural relevance
Las Vegas voters often prioritize pragmatic solutions that support tourism and hospitality. The debate over presidential tariff moves versus congressional authority may be viewed locally as a question of protecting jobs while maintaining stable supply chains and prices.
Practical applications for residents
Residents and businesses should monitor actions by Nevada’s congressional delegation. Airlines, hotels, event organizers and retailers may need contingency plans for procurement and pricing if tariffs or legal disputes change import costs (Fox News).
What to follow next
- Will Trump’s endorsement of Hope Scheppelman mobilize outside groups and donors against Hurd in Colorado’s 3rd District?
- Will more Republicans publicly support Hurd’s call for Congress to handle tariff votes?
- How will courts and Congress respond to the administration’s use of other statutory authority for tariffs after the Supreme Court ruling?
Reporting and sources
This article draws on reporting from Washington Examiner, Fox News and Mediaite. Key items include Trump’s post on Truth Social, Hurd’s statements on X, coverage of H.J.Res.72, and reporting on the Supreme Court decision limiting IEEPA use for tariffs.
