President Donald Trump moved to reassert party unity on Friday, renewing his endorsement of Republican Colorado Rep. Jeff Hurd less than a month after sharply breaking with him over a key vote on tariffs. The reversal underscores both the president’s influence within the GOP and the ongoing tensions over trade policy that briefly divided Republicans.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that Hurd’s primary challenger, former Colorado GOP vice chair and Navy veteran Hope Scheppelman, had agreed to step aside from the race. According to Trump, Scheppelman will instead join his administration “in a capacity to be determined,” clearing the path for Hurd to secure the Republican nomination in Colorado’s Third Congressional District.
Trump framed the decision as part of a broader effort to prevent Republican infighting and focus on defeating Democrats in November. He emphasized that Hurd should not face obstacles within his own party, warning that the Democratic alternative would be a “disaster” for the country. The president called on Republicans and MAGA supporters to unify behind Hurd, pledging his “Complete and Total Endorsement” for the congressman’s reelection bid.
The renewed backing marks a notable shift from Trump’s tone just weeks earlier. In February, the president publicly withdrew his endorsement of Hurd, branding him a “RINO” after the congressman joined six other Republicans and Democrats in voting for a House resolution to repeal tariffs on Canada. At the time, Trump argued that Hurd had let both him and the country down, accusing the lawmaker of prioritizing foreign interests over American ones.
Trump also used that earlier statement to defend his tariff policies, describing them as “unbelievably successful” and crediting them with strengthening the nation. He pointed to his past decision to rescind an endorsement in the 2022 Alabama Senate race as evidence that such moves, while rare, were necessary to uphold his political agenda.
Friday’s reversal suggests a recalibration, with Trump now opting to consolidate support rather than prolong a primary fight. Hurd, for his part, welcomed the endorsement and echoed the president’s call for unity. In a post on X, he said he was grateful for Trump’s support and highlighted shared priorities, including border security, energy dominance, and support for working families. He added that he remains focused on delivering results for rural Colorado and earning voter support across the district.
With Scheppelman out of the race and the filing deadline passed, Hurd now appears set to run unopposed for the Republican nomination. The general election landscape also favors Republicans. The Cook Political Report rates the district as “Likely Republican,” and it is not among the top targets for Democrats this cycle.
The episode highlights how quickly political alliances can shift, particularly in a climate where policy disagreements—whether on trade or other matters—can trigger sharp reactions. Yet it also reflects a broader effort within the party to close ranks ahead of a consequential election season, even as debates over policy priorities continue to simmer beneath the surface.
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