President Trump yanks his rare endorsement from a sitting GOP congressman, branding him a RINO for daring to prioritize constitutional limits over aggressive tariffs.
Story Snapshot
- Trump withdraws support for Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO) after Hurd stressed Congress’s Article I trade authority following Supreme Court ruling on IEEPA limits.
- Only the second time Trump has pulled an endorsement, previously against Mo Brooks in 2022 for election stance disloyalty.
- Trump boosts challenger Hope Scheppelman, Navy veteran and nurse, as true America First loyalist in CO-3 primary.
- Immediate tariff hike to 15% global rate under Trade Act signals unyielding protectionism despite court checks.
Supreme Court Ruling Triggers Constitutional Clash
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on Friday against President Trump’s broad use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for tariffs implemented in April 2025. This decision limited executive emergency powers, forcing reliance on Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Rep. Jeff Hurd, Trump’s previously endorsed incumbent in Colorado’s 3rd District, posted on X affirming Congress’s Article I authority over commerce and tariffs. Hurd urged legislative debate, aligning with the Court’s emphasis on separation of powers. This stance, rooted in constitutional principles, directly preceded Trump’s response. Such checks prevent government overreach, a win for limited government advocates frustrated by past executive excesses.
Trump’s Swift Endorsement Withdrawal and Tariff Escalation
Hours after the ruling, Trump announced a global tariff increase from 10% to 15% under the Trade Act, criticizing the Court. On Saturday via Truth Social, Trump withdrew his endorsement of Hurd, calling him a RINO more aligned with foreign interests than America. Trump endorsed Hope Scheppelman, praising her as an unwavering supporter, Navy veteran, and nurse practitioner. This marks only Trump’s second endorsement pullback ever, echoing his 2022 move against Rep. Mo Brooks for shifting on 2020 election integrity. The action enforces loyalty to America First trade policies in the 2026 CO-3 GOP primary.
Key Players and Power Dynamics in CO-3 Primary
Trump holds kingmaker status in GOP primaries, using endorsements to maintain MAGA control. Hurd, facing the RINO label, balances Trump support with legal fidelity to constitutional trade authority. Scheppelman gains momentum from the endorsement boost in rural, swing district CO-3. The Supreme Court’s ruling empowers Congress, validating Hurd’s position but clashing with Trump’s protectionist drive. No response yet from Hurd’s office as of latest reports. This dynamic highlights tensions in the GOP between free-trade traditionalists and tariff hawks, with Trump demanding unity on making America richer through trade barriers.
Trump’s tariffs aim to protect American workers from globalism’s harms, countering years of overspending and fiscal mismanagement under prior regimes. Rural Colorado voters, reliant on agriculture and manufacturing, now navigate primary flux amid policy shifts. Short-term, Hurd risks primary loss; long-term, this reinforces Trump’s leverage, potentially spurring congressional tariff votes.
Sources:
Trump withdraws endorsement of Colorado Rep
