Trump un-endorses Rep. Jeff Hurd over opposition to tariffs, backs GOP primary challenger
President Trump has withdrawn his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd over the Colorado Republican’s opposition to his tariff policy, and is now backing his primary challenger.
Mr. Hurd was one of six House Republicans who voted this month to overturn U.S. tariffs on Canada. Mr. Trump withdrew his endorsement of Mr. Hurd 10 days later.
The president derided Mr. Hurd as a “RINO,” or Republican in name only, on Saturday — a day after the Supreme Court ruled that tariffs placed on Canada and other countries under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act are illegal.
“Congressman Hurd is one of a small number of Legislators who have let me and our Country down,” Mr. Trump posted on social media. “He is more interested in protecting Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades than he is the United States of America.”
The president now is endorsing Mr. Hurd’s Republican primary challenger, Hope Scheppelman, a Navy veteran and critical care nurse.
Mr. Trump said Ms. Sheppelman will back his America First policies and “work tirelessly” to grow the economy.
“Unlike RINO Jeff Hurd, HOPE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” he posted.
Mr. Hurd posted a defense on social media without directly addressing Mr. Trump.
“When I took office, I swore an oath to the Constitution and to the people I serve,” he posted. “Every vote I cast is guided by what is best for this district and the long-term strength of our country. Leadership requires independent judgment and the willingness to stand on principle.”
Mr. Hurd said his focus is on delivering results for Colorado, including strengthening American energy production, supporting farmers and ranchers, restoring fiscal discipline, protecting water resources and backing our veterans and law enforcement.
“That’s the job I was elected to do — and I’ll keep doing it with conviction, optimism, and a deep gratitude for the people I serve,” he said.
Mr. Trump said it is a “difficult decision” to take back an endorsement.
“I have only done it once before, with a former Congressman named Mo Brooks, from Alabama, who was leading by 54 points after my Endorsement for U.S. Senate, and then, he unexpectedly, for strictly political reasons, changed his views on the Rigged Election of 2020, and lost his Race in a Landslide to Katie Britt, who I Endorsed,” he posted. “These are the decisions that must be made, however, to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Ms. Sheppelman said she is honored to have the president’s trust.
“I just want to help President Trump repair the damage [former President Joseph R.] Biden and the Democrats did to our economy and our country, and I will not rest until we finish the job of making America affordable again for working families,” she posted.
