Trump Withdraws Endorsement from GOP Lawmaker Over Tariff Policy Differences

President Donald Trump has withdrawn his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., following disagreements over tariff policy and constitutional authority, a rare public break between Trump and a Republican incumbent.

The withdrawal came after Hurd publicly cited the Constitution’s separation of powers in response to Friday’s Supreme Court ruling that limited presidential tariff authority. On social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced he was shifting his support to Hope Scheppelman, describing her as a “Highly Respected Patriot” and criticizing Hurd as a “RINO” (Republican In Name Only).

“Based on a lack of support, in particular for the unbelievably successful TARIFFS imposed on Foreign Countries and Companies which has made America Richer, Stronger, Bigger, and Better than ever before, I am hereby WITHDRAWING my Endorsement,” Trump wrote on Saturday.

The dispute centers on fundamental questions about presidential power and trade policy. Just one day before Trump’s announcement, Hurd had posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “Article I assigns Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations and to impose tariffs,” adding that “major trade decisions should rest on clear statutory authority, not expansive emergency interpretations.”

While Hurd acknowledged sharing Trump’s broader trade goals, he emphasized that “Strong trade enforcement must be grounded in durable legal footing” and argued that “Congress should debate them and vote on them directly” if tariffs are deemed necessary.

Trump’s reaction was swift and pointed. He accused Hurd of being “more interested in protecting Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades than he is the United States of America” and stated that the congressman “is one of a small number of Legislators who have let me and our Country down.”

This endorsement withdrawal comes at a politically sensitive time, as Trump had just announced an increase in global tariff rates from 10% to 15% under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This move followed the Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision blocking his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for imposing certain tariffs.

The former president described the court’s ruling as “deeply disappointing” and expressed that he was “ashamed” of certain justices. The decision represented a significant check on executive authority in trade matters, an area where Trump has consistently advocated for presidential discretion.

Trump noted that withdrawing endorsements is uncommon for him, saying it was a “difficult decision” he has “only done once before, with a former Congressman named Mo Brooks, from Alabama.” Nevertheless, he framed the decision as necessary to “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

In turning to Scheppelman, Trump praised her as a “distinguished Critical Care Nurse Practitioner, and a brave U.S. Navy Veteran, who knows the America First Policies required,” concluding that “unlike RINO Jeff Hurd, HOPE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

This incident highlights the growing tension within the Republican Party over trade policy, executive power, and loyalty to Trump’s agenda. It also underscores the former president’s continued influence within the party, particularly in primary races where his endorsement can significantly impact outcomes.

The disagreement represents a fundamental constitutional debate about where authority for trade policy should reside – with Congress as enumerated in Article I of the Constitution, as Hurd maintains, or with expanded presidential powers as Trump has advocated throughout his political career.

Rep. Hurd’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the endorsement withdrawal, leaving questions about how this might affect his standing in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District and his relationship with the broader Republican Party.