Trump Withdraws Endorsement of GOP Lawmaker Over Tariff Dispute
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a rare public rebuke of a sitting Republican congressman, former President Donald Trump withdrew his endorsement of Rep. Jeff Hurd, R-Colo., on Saturday following Hurd’s comments emphasizing Congress’s constitutional authority over trade policy amid a contentious tariff dispute. The move comes as Trump doubles down on his aggressive tariff agenda, announcing a global tariff increase to 15% despite a recent Supreme Court ruling that curtailed presidential power to impose tariffs unilaterally.
Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to announce the withdrawal, accusing Hurd of failing to support what he described as “unbelievably successful TARIFFS imposed on Foreign Countries and Companies which has made America Richer, Stronger, Bigger, and Better than ever before.” Trump further endorsed Hope Scheppelman as his preferred candidate to replace Hurd in Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District.
Hurd’s public stance came shortly after the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision limiting the president’s authority to impose tariffs without Congressional approval, a ruling that has sent ripples through the trade and economic policy landscape. In response to the ruling, Hurd highlighted the constitutional separation of powers, asserting that Congress holds the primary role in setting trade policy. This position put him at odds with Trump’s administration, which has aggressively used tariffs as a tool to reshape global trade dynamics.
The Supreme Court’s decision, detailed on the official Supreme Court website, underscored the constitutional checks on executive power, affirming Congress’s role in trade matters. This ruling has been met with mixed reactions, with some lawmakers expressing concern over economic uncertainty, while others praise the reinforcement of constitutional boundaries.
Trump’s announcement came just hours after he declared an increase in global tariffs, raising them first to 10% and then to 15%, signaling his intent to continue leveraging tariffs despite judicial constraints. The president’s tariff policies have been a cornerstone of his economic strategy, aiming to protect American industries and jobs, a stance supported by many in the GOP but increasingly contested within the party’s ranks.
Political analysts note that Trump’s withdrawal of support for an incumbent Republican is unusual and signals growing tensions within the party over trade and economic policy. The endorsement reversal also reflects the broader debate over the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress in shaping trade policy, a debate that is likely to intensify in the coming months.
Rep. Hurd’s emphasis on constitutional authority aligns with longstanding principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power “to regulate commerce with foreign nations.” His stance has drawn attention to the legal and legislative complexities surrounding tariff implementation and the limits of presidential power.
As the political fallout continues, the U.S. Congress faces mounting pressure to clarify its role in trade policy amid the administration’s aggressive tariff moves. The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges of navigating economic policy in a politically polarized environment, where executive ambition and legislative authority often collide.
Trump’s endorsement of Scheppelman, described as a “highly respected patriot,” signals his intent to back candidates who align closely with his policy agenda, particularly on trade. This development may influence the dynamics of the upcoming midterm elections, as tariffs and trade policy remain pivotal issues for voters and candidates alike.
For more on the evolving tariff policies and their legal implications, the Office of the United States Trade Representative provides updates and official statements on trade negotiations and tariff measures. Meanwhile, economic analysts continue to monitor the impact of these tariffs on global markets and domestic industries.
The dispute between Trump and Hurd underscores the complexities of governance where constitutional authority, economic strategy, and political loyalty intersect, setting the stage for continued debate over the future of American trade policy.
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