Trump Pulls Support From House Republican Who Opposed Tariffs

NYT Homepage

by Megan Mineiro and Tim Balk

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

President Trump has withdrawn his endorsement of Representative Jeff Hurd of Colorado, a move that could significantly impact Republican efforts to retain control of the House during the 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s decision came as retribution for Hurd’s opposition to the tariffs on Canada, which the president had previously threatened to punish. By endorsing Hurd’s primary opponent, Hope Scheppelman, Trump is signaling his willingness to take action against Republicans who defy him on key issues. The article highlights that Hurd was one of only six Republicans to join nearly all Democrats in voting to cancel Trump’s tariffs, a rare instance of Congress challenging the administration. This symbolic yet significant vote underscored the growing tensions between Trump and congressional Republicans, particularly over trade policy. Trump’s retaliatory response—endorsing Scheppelman, a Navy veteran and former nurse practitioner with controversial past remarks—has injected uncertainty into Hurd’s re-election campaign in a district that was already expected to be competitive. The situation reflects broader challenges for the Republican Party as it prepares for what is anticipated to be a difficult midterm cycle. Trump’s emphasis on loyalty to his policies, including tariffs, has created internal divisions and raised questions about the party’s ability to maintain unity. The case of Hurd also underscores the increasing influence of primary elections in shaping the political landscape, with Trump using his endorsement power to shape outcomes that align with his agenda. By targeting Hurd, a first-term congressman associated with the moderate Republican Main Street Partnership, Trump has further polarized the party and highlighted divisions over how

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026