Trump withdraws Hurd endorsement, backs Scheppelman after tariff dispute
Former President Donald Trump has rescinded his endorsement of Colorado Rep. Jeff Hurd over Hurd’s opposition to Trump-era tariff policies and instead backed challenger Hope Scheppelman, underscoring GOP divisions over trade and ongoing presidential authority.
- Trump announced on Truth Social that he withdrew his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd and gave his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to Hope Scheppelman.
- Hurd’s public defense of Congress’s tariff authority followed a Supreme Court narrowing of IEEPA and helped trigger the split.
- Trump praised Scheppelman as a “Highly Respected Patriot,” noting her Navy service and work as a nurse practitioner.
Background and what prompted the breakup
On Friday, after a 6-3 Supreme Court ruling that narrowed the reach of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Rep. Jeff Hurd posted on X that the decision clarified “the scope of IEEPA” and underscored Congress’s Article I authority to regulate foreign commerce and impose tariffs. Hurd argued that major trade decisions should rest on clear statutory authority, not expansive emergency interpretations, and urged Congress to debate and vote directly on tariff measures. Source: Fox News.
Hours after Hurd’s statement, Trump moved to raise a “worldwide tariff” to 15% under the Trade Act of 1974 and criticized the Supreme Court ruling as “ridiculous” and “extraordinarily anti-American.” The timing framed the disagreement as a test of loyalty to his trade agenda. Reporting tracked the timing and announcement closely; see Washington Examiner.
Hurd’s vote to repeal a set of Trump-era tariffs also factored into the rift. He voted with Democrats to pass H.J.Res.72, which repealed a 25% tariff on Canada imposed under a national emergency declaration — a move that highlighted his willingness to prioritize congressional process over executive emergency action. Coverage of that vote is available via Washington Examiner.
Trump’s explanation and the “tariffs” framing
“He has let me and our Country down,” Trump wrote, accusing Hurd of siding with “Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades.”
In his Truth Social post, Trump framed tariffs as a central tool of his “America First” agenda, asserting they made the country “Richer, Stronger, Bigger, and Better than ever before.” The former president described the endorsement withdrawal as a difficult choice and emphasized its rarity. Media commentary noted this is only the second time Trump has publicly rescinded a sitting Republican’s endorsement; see Mediaite.
Who is Hope Scheppelman?
Hope Scheppelman is a Navy veteran, a critical care nurse practitioner, and a former vice chairwoman of the Colorado Republican Party. Trump called her a “Highly Respected Patriot” and highlighted her healthcare and military background as qualifications for advancing a Trump-style tariff agenda. Profileing and campaign coverage: Washington Examiner and Fox News.
Political context inside the GOP
The clash highlights a broader debate within the Republican Party over whether tariff authority should be concentrated in the White House or remain with Congress. For many conservatives, this is as much about party discipline as it is about trade policy: Trump’s endorsement of challengers signals that opposition to his tariff strategy may invite primary contests.
Implications for Huntington Beach, California
Economic impact
Tariff changes can affect consumer prices and local businesses in Huntington Beach. Higher tariffs on imports may raise costs for surf shops, apparel retailers, and small manufacturers that rely on global supply chains. The nearby Greater Los Angeles and Long Beach ports handle much Southern California’s imports; shifts in national tariff policy can alter shipping patterns, freight rates, and delivery times.
Political consequences
Huntington Beach, in conservative-leaning Orange County, may see divided responses: some local Republicans may welcome Trump’s action as a sign of continued influence, while others may respect Hurd’s insistence on congressional prerogatives. The episode could intensify intra-party debates and primary-season activism.
Social effects and cultural relevance
The dispute may energize politically engaged communities and business groups. Cultural tensions exist between protectionist rhetoric that emphasizes American industry and the practical needs of local businesses that rely on global suppliers for surfboards, wetsuits, and apparel.
Practical applications for residents
- Consumers: Watch for price changes on imported goods and consider supporting local businesses to reduce exposure to tariff-driven cost swings.
- Business owners: Chambers of commerce may want to contact members of Congress to urge clarity on tariff policy and legal authority.
- Local activists: Anticipate increased primary activity and outreach as national figures weigh in on local races.
Sources and reporting
This article draws on reporting from multiple outlets that covered the endorsement change, the legal backdrop, and the political reaction: Washington Examiner, Fox News, and Mediaite. These outlets reported Trump’s Truth Social post, Hurd’s statement on X, the Supreme Court ruling on IEEPA, and the timing of the tariff announcement under the Trade Act of 1974.
Key documents & references: Washington Examiner report • Fox News coverage • Mediaite note on rarity.
For further developments, readers should monitor the linked reporting and official statements from the campaigns and the Supreme Court opinion on IEEPA.
