Former President Donald Trump has officially rescinded his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd in Colorado’s 3rd District, highlighting a deepening ideological rift within the Republican Party. Trump cited Hurd’s refusal to support aggressive tariff policies as the primary catalyst for the split, labeling the incumbent a “RINO” (Republican in Name Only). This decision underscores the former president’s uncompromising demand for total alignment on his “America First” economic agenda and executive trade authority.
The friction stems from Hurd’s legislative record, particularly his vote alongside Democrats to terminate the national emergency authority used to facilitate Trump’s trade measures. Hurd has defended his actions by appealing to constitutional principles, maintaining that the power to regulate trade resides strictly with Congress. For Hurd, maintaining the separation of powers and institutional integrity is a higher priority than political convenience, warning that broad emergency powers could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations. With the June 30 primary looming, Trump has shifted his backing to Hope Scheppelman, a U.S. Navy veteran and critical care nurse practitioner. Describing her as a “Highly Respected Patriot,” Trump is positioning Scheppelman as a candidate committed to his populist platform of border security, tax cuts, and election integrity. This rare tactical shift occurred just twenty-four hours after a 6-3 Supreme Court decision struck down previous tariffs, signaling Trump’s intent to double down on protectionism. The contest now stands as a critical test of Trump’s influence and whether the GOP base prioritizes leader loyalty over traditional constitutional interpretations.
