President Trump’s endorsement has long been political gold in Republican primaries. Candidates who land it often see an immediate bump in polling, fundraising, and grassroots enthusiasm. Just ask Ron DeSantis or JD Vance, both of whom saw their campaigns gain serious traction after securing Trump’s backing.
But as one Colorado congressman just learned, that endorsement can disappear just as quickly as it arrives.
On Saturday afternoon, President Trump announced on Truth Social that he was withdrawing his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd, a Republican representing Colorado’s 3rd District. The reason was not subtle. Trump accused Hurd of failing to support his tariff policies, particularly after Hurd publicly emphasized Congress’ constitutional authority over trade following a Supreme Court ruling that limited the president’s tariff powers.
“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 of RINO Congressman Jeff Hurd, of Colorado’s 3rd District,” Trump wrote. He then threw his full support behind Hope Scheppelman, whom he described as a “Highly Respected Patriot.”
The timing was notable. Just a day earlier, the Supreme Court had ruled against the administration’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping global tariffs. Hours after that decision, President Trump announced plans to raise the global tariff rate to 10 percent and then 15 percent. Hurd’s public comments about separation of powers clearly did not sit well with the White House.
This marks a rare public break between President Trump and a sitting Republican incumbent. It also sends a clear message to others in the party who might be tempted to distance themselves from key elements of the president’s agenda, especially on trade.
It is not the first time Trump has pulled back his support from someone within his own movement. Last November, he rescinded his endorsement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene after a public disagreement over efforts to release files connected to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Greene later announced she would resign from Congress, citing the fallout from that clash.
These episodes highlight the reality of modern Republican politics. President Trump’s support can elevate a candidate overnight. But that support is tied to alignment on core issues. Trade policy, in particular, has become central to Trump’s economic identity.
For Jeff Hurd, losing the endorsement could reshape his re election prospects. For other Republicans, the lesson is clear. In today’s GOP, standing apart from President Trump on major policy battles carries real political consequences.
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