President Donald Trump sent shockwaves through Colorado politics Saturday when he abruptly rescinded his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd, throwing his full support behind primary challenger Hope Scheppelman in the battle for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.
The reason? Tariffs — and loyalty to the America First agenda.
In a fiery statement posted February 21, President Trump made clear he was withdrawing his backing after Hurd joined a small bloc of Republicans siding with Democrats in a vote aimed at repealing tariffs imposed on Canada. The resolution argued that the national emergency declaration underpinning the tariffs should be overturned — a move Trump has blasted as undermining American workers and national sovereignty.
“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,” Trump wrote, “I am hereby WITHDRAWING my Endorsement of RINO Congressman Jeff Hurd.”
That word — RINO — was not accidental.
Six House Republicans broke ranks to support the anti-tariff resolution, aligning themselves with Democrats in a move many grassroots conservatives saw as a betrayal. Hurd’s vote appears to have been the breaking point for Trump, who had endorsed him just months earlier in October, praising his record on border security, energy dominance, tax cuts, and Second Amendment rights.
But in the Trump era, support for American industry and standing up to foreign nations is non-negotiable.
“Congressman Hurd is one of a small number of Legislators who have let me and our Country down,” the president continued. “He is more interested in protecting Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades than he is the United States of America.”
Trump emphasized that revoking an endorsement is rare. He pointed to a prior instance involving former Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks — a decision that ultimately reshaped that Senate race. “These are the decisions that must be made,” Trump wrote, “to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Enter Hope Scheppelman.
A U.S. Navy veteran and critical care nurse practitioner, Scheppelman has campaigned as a staunch America First conservative. Trump described her as a “Highly Respected Patriot” who understands the policies required to defend American workers, secure the border, and rebuild the nation’s strength.
“In Congress, Hope will work tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Advocate for our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Safeguard our Elections, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment,” Trump wrote.
The contrast could not be sharper.
For many voters in Colorado’s 3rd District — a region with strong agricultural, energy, and working-class roots — tariffs represent more than trade policy. They symbolize leverage against countries that have long undercut American manufacturing and labor.
Trump’s move signals that adherence to the America First economic vision remains a litmus test in Republican primaries. Lawmakers who drift toward establishment globalism do so at their own peril.
The president concluded with a blunt promise: “Hope Scheppelman has my Complete and Total Endorsement… and, unlike RINO Jeff Hurd, HOPE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
In a political climate where endorsements can make or break campaigns, Trump just made it clear — loyalty matters.
