By Trendsetter Tribune 
WASHINGTON — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Colorado GOP, President Donald Trump officially withdrew his endorsement of U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO) on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The reversal marks the first time during this election cycle that the President has de-certified a sitting Republican congressman, citing Hurd’s “weakness” and “lack of support” for the administration’s aggressive global tariff strategy.
The decision comes just weeks after Hurd expressed concerns about the impact of the 10% universal tariff on Colorado’s agricultural and aerospace exports.
The “Tariff Litmus Test”
The withdrawal of support appears to be a direct consequence of Hurd’s recent voting record and public comments regarding the administration’s “America First” trade policies.
- The Floor Vote: Hurd was one of a handful of Republicans who voted against a procedural motion on February 11 that would have fast-tracked the President’s ability to impose “reciprocal” tariffs without immediate Congressional oversight.
- The “Economic Harm” Argument: In a town hall in Grand Junction earlier this month, Hurd argued that while he supports bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., a “blanket approach” to tariffs could inadvertently punish Colorado ranchers and the state’s growing tech sector.
- The Response: The White House reportedly viewed Hurd’s stance as a “betrayal” of the mandate given to the President in the 2024 election.
The Truth Social “Un-Endorsement”
President Trump announced the move with a characteristically blunt post on Truth Social, signaling that Hurd is no longer considered a “team player” within the MAGA movement.
“Jeff Hurd of Colorado is a very weak and ineffective Representative who has totally sold out to the Globalists. He is failing our Farmers and Workers by fighting my TARIFFS, which are the greatest tool we have for wealth and jobs. HIS ENDORSEMENT IS HEREBY WITHDRAWN. We need a fighter for Colorado, not a Puppet for China!” — Truth Social, Feb 21, 2026
The Primary Fallout: A Window for Challenges
The “un-endorsement” has immediately altered the landscape of Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District, which was already expected to be a competitive battleground.
| Candidate | Status / Reaction |
| Rep. Jeff Hurd | Released a statement on Saturday night affirming his respect for the President but insisting he must “put the economic interests of Western Colorado first.” |
| GOP Challengers | Several local Republican figures, including former State Rep. Ron Hanks, are reportedly reconsidering their entry into the race now that Hurd no longer has the “Trump Shield.” |
| Democratic Rivals | Democrat Adam Frisch, who narrowly lost the seat in 2022 and 2024, characterized the infighting as “proof that the GOP is more interested in loyalty tests than lowering costs for families.” |
The “Loyalty over Longevity” Strategy
Political analysts note that this move is part of a broader strategy by the President to “purge” any remaining dissent within the GOP ranks ahead of the 2026 midterms. By making Hurd an example, the administration is sending a clear message to other “purple district” Republicans: full compliance on trade policy is the price of presidential support.
“This isn’t just about Jeff Hurd. This is about ensuring that the Republican caucus in 2027 is 100% aligned with the administration’s economic nationalism, regardless of the political risk in moderate districts.” — Amy Walter, The Cook Political Report
What’s Next?
- Fundraising: Hurd’s campaign is expected to see a sharp decline in “small-dollar” MAGA donations, though he may see an uptick from traditional “Main Street” Republican donors.
- The 4th Circuit Ruling: Some legal experts suggest Hurd may join the growing number of Republicans quietly supporting the court challenges against the executive-led tariff implementation.