President Trump yanked his endorsement from a loyal GOP incumbent for the second time in history, exposing raw fault lines in the Republican Party over tariffs and constitutional power.
Story Snapshot
- Trump withdraws support for Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO) after Hurd stressed Congress’s trade authority post-Supreme Court ruling limiting presidential tariff powers.
- Trump endorses challenger Hope Scheppelman, a Navy veteran, labeling Hurd a RINO prioritizing foreign interests.
- Event marks only second endorsement reversal by Trump, first being Mo Brooks in 2022 over election stance.
- Triggers immediate tariff hike from 10% to 15% under Trade Act, bypassing IEEPA limits.
- Intensifies 2026 GOP primary battle in rural Colorado’s 3rd District amid protectionism debates.
Supreme Court Ruling Ignites Tariff Clash
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on Friday against Trump’s broad use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for tariffs implemented in April 2025. Justices curtailed executive overreach, affirming Congress’s Article I authority over commerce. Rep. Jeff Hurd immediately posted on X, declaring major trade decisions require clear statutory authority and legislative debate. Hurd supported tariff goals but insisted on constitutional processes. This stance, rooted in separation of powers, clashed directly with Trump’s aggressive protectionism.
Trump Yanks Endorsement for Republican Lawmaker for Second Time Ever Over 'Lack of Support' for Tariffs https://t.co/Kan7gjHFJe pic.twitter.com/xWn9gEuvOX
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) February 21, 2026
Trump’s Swift Retaliation and Endorsement Shift
Hours after the ruling, Trump announced a global tariff increase from 10% to 15% under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. He criticized the Court sharply. Later Saturday, via Truth Social, Trump withdrew his endorsement of Hurd, calling it the second time ever. Trump praised challenger Hope Scheppelman, a Navy veteran and nurse practitioner, as a true patriot aligned with America First trade policies. He accused Hurd of RINO tendencies, more loyal to foreign interests than American workers.
Stakeholders and Power Dynamics at Play
Trump dominates as GOP kingmaker, using endorsements to enforce loyalty on tariffs framed as making America richer and stronger. Hurd, the incumbent in swing district CO-3, balances Trump support with legal principles. Scheppelman gains massive momentum from the endorsement boost in the 2026 primary. The Court’s ruling empowers congressional figures like Hurd, shifting trade battles to legislative turf. No response yet from Hurd’s office underscores Trump’s leverage.
Historical Precedent and GOP Divisions
This mirrors Trump’s 2022 withdrawal from Mo Brooks, who lost his Senate race after shifting on 2020 election claims. Brooks’ defeat by Trump-backed Katie Britt proved the endorsement’s potency. Hurd’s position echoes broader GOP tensions between free-trade traditionalists and Trump’s protectionists. Rural Colorado voters in agriculture-heavy CO-3 now face a heated primary testing loyalty versus constitutional fidelity. Facts align with common sense: strong leaders demand alignment on core America First priorities.
Economic Ripples and Political Fallout
The 15% tariff hike raises import costs, shielding U.S. manufacturing and farmers from foreign competition. Short-term, Hurd risks primary defeat; Scheppelman surges. Long-term, it pressures GOP lawmakers toward legislative tariffs, reinforcing Trump’s control. Tariff sectors face flux, but protectionism fulfills promises to revive American industry. Political schism deepens, framing dissent as betrayal. Developments evolve; real-time monitoring essential.
Sources:
Trump withdraws endorsement of Colorado Rep
