¶ Overview
- Hurd expressed concern several times that Trump’s tariffs were too broad, constitutionally inappropriate, or hurting his constituents, and even introduced and joined legislation to rein in executive tariff power. Yet Hurd voted consistently for procedural tricks to protect Trump’s tariffs for eleven months, while Coloradans faced negative impacts on housing, small businesses, and agriculture. Nearly one year later, he finally voted against tariffs on Canada, which he claimed was hard and isolating for him.
- Despite his concern about tariffs, Hurd embraced Trump’s endorsement in October 2025 for his re-election. Trump briefly unendorsed Hurd after he voted against the Canadian tariffs, but it was short lived and when Trump decided to re-endorse Hurd, Hurd expressed his gratitude and shared goals.
- Despite acknowledging tariffs hurt Coloradans, Hurd said he differed with Trump “just on the vehicle” for tariffs and would not commit to voting against other “Liberation Day” tariffs. Hurd also admitted to a political motive, saying “one of the fundamental reasons” he voted against Canada tariffs was because a future Democratic president could use those executive powers in “ways that we don’t like.”
¶ Jeff Hurd Could Not Be Trusted To Protect Coloradans From Rising Costs As A Result Of Tariffs
¶ December 2024: Hurd Expressed Concern About Trump’s Tariff Proposals
December 2024: Hurd Expressed Concern About Trump’s Proposed Blanket Tariffs. According to Colorado Newsline, "Hurd said he’ll also have to wait and see the details of what Trump has proposed in terms of tariffs, though he does have ‘some concerns about blanket tariffs and the impact that could have on our economy.’ He said the U.S. can use tariffs ‘strategically and thoughtfully’ to make sure the country has its own resources and doesn’t ‘become too reliant on other countries, particularly when it comes to some critical minerals and resources.’" [Colorado Newsline, 12/27/24]
¶ 2025-2026: Hurd claimed it was congress, not the president’s authority to impose tariffs, but repeatedly voted to protect trump’s ability to impose tariffs
¶ March 2025: Hurd Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Hurd Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs. In March 2025, Hurd voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the bill that would provide for Congressional disapproval of, and nullify, a December 2024 IRS rule related to gross proceeds reporting by brokers involved in digital asset sales. The rule imposed reporting requirements, beginning in 2027, on non-custodial barkers who participate in the decentralized digital asset market. It also required brokers to file information returns and provide payee statements reporting gross proceeds from certain digital asset sales and transactions.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 292 to 132. [House Vote 71, 3/11/25; Congressional Quarterly, 3/11/25; Congressional Actions, H.J. Res. 25]
- The Bill Effectively Blocked The House From Voting To Reverse Trump’s Tariffs On Mexico, Canada, And China For The Next Year. According to the New York Times, “Republican leaders on Tuesday slipped language into a procedural measure that would prevent any resolution to end the tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China from receiving a vote this year. It passed on party lines as part of a resolution that cleared the way for a vote later Tuesday on a government spending bill needed to prevent a shutdown at the end of the week.” [New York Times, 3/11/25]
- The Bill Nullified A Law That Would Allow The House And Senate To End A Disaster Declared By The President. According to the New York Times, “In this case, Republican leaders did so using a particularly unusual contortion: They essentially declared the rest of the year one long day, nullifying a law that allows the House and Senate to jointly put an end to a disaster declared by the president.” [New York Times, 3/11/25]
- The National Emergencies Act Required Consideration Of Resolutions Ending A Presidentially Declared Emergency Within Fifteen Calendar Days But Republican Leadership Included A Measure In The Bill Declaring The Rest Of The Year Did Not Constitute A Calendar Day. According to the New York Times, “The national emergency law lays out a fast-track process for Congress to consider a resolution ending a presidential emergency, requiring committee consideration within 15 calendar days after one is introduced and a floor vote within three days after that. But the language House Republicans inserted in their measure on Tuesday declared that, ‘Each day for the remainder of the 119th Congress shall not constitute a calendar day’ for the purposes of the emergency that Mr. Trump declared on Feb. 1.” [New York Times, 3/11/25]
¶ April 8, 2025: Hurd Introduced Legislation To Limit Trump’s Tariff Authority, But IT would not Apply Retroactively
Hurd Introduced A Bill That Would Limit The President’s Authority To Create Tariff’s Without Congressional Approval. According to a press release from Congressman Jeff Hurd, “Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-CO-03), along with Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), and Gregory Meeks (D-NY-05) introduced bipartisan legislation to return Congress’ constitutionally authorized role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy. H.R.2665, The Trade Review Act of 2025, requires that unilateral tariffs proposed by the executive branch receive congressional authority.” [Press Release – Congressman Jeff Hurd, 4/8/25]
Hurd’s Bill About Presidential Tariff Authority Did Not Apply Retroactively To Tariffs Already Hurting His District. According to Pueblo Chieftain, “Hurd's Chief of Staff Nick Bayer told the Chieftain the Trade Review Act of 2025, introduced to the U.S. House, is identical to the companion bill in the Senate. Limitations outlined in the pieces of legislation would not apply retroactively to tariffs and increases already imposed.” [Pueblo Chieftain, 4/23/25]
¶ April 9, 2025: Hurd Was The Deciding Vote To Protect Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Hurd Cast The Deciding Vote For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through September 2025. In April 2025, Hurd voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “adoption of the rule (H Res 313) that would provide for floor consideration of the Senate amendment to the fiscal 2025 budget resolution (H Con Res 14). The rule would provide up to one hour of debate on a motion to concur in the Senate amendment to the measure. It also would block the expedited consideration of joint resolutions terminating President Donald Trump’s tariff actions under the April 2 executive order by providing that each day during the period from April 9, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2025, will not constitute a calendar day under the federal law pertaining to terminating national emergencies.” The vote was on the rule. The underlying legislation was the FY 2025 budget resolution. The House agreed to the rule by a vote of 216 to 215. [House Vote 94, 4/9/25; Congressional Quarterly, 4/9/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 313;Congressional Actions, H.Con. Res. 14]
- Speaker Johnson Backed The Move, Claiming Trump Has “Executive Authority” And That The Tariffs Are “In The Interest Of The American People.” According to ABC News, “House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., defended the move, telling reporters, ‘I've made it very clear I think the president has executive authority. It's an appropriate level of authority to deal with the unfair trade practices. That's part of the role of the president is to negotiate with other countries.’ Johnson said Trump told him Tuesday night that ‘there are almost 70 countries that are [in] some stage in negotiation of more fair-trade agreement agreements with the United States. I think that is in the interest of the American people. I think that is an ‘America First’ policy that will be effective, and so we have to give them the space to do it.’” [ABC News, 4/9/25]
- The Vote Was The Second Use Of The Procedural Tactic To Block Votes On The Tariffs, The First Use Of It Being In March. According to ABC News, “House Democrats, led by Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., moved to force a vote on Tuesday on terminating the national emergency authority and blocking Trump's sweeping tariffs. Now, that vote is unlikely to occur. This is the second time Johnson has moved to stop the legislative calendar to prevent votes on Trump's authority on tariffs. Under House rules, these votes would typically come up within 15 calendar days but now will not if the ‘rule’ passes during the vote series Wednesday afternoon.” [ABC News, 4/9/25]
¶ If One “Aye” Vote Had Switched To A “No” On House Vote 94 The Measure Would Have Failed Instead Of Passing
The Measure Considered In House Vote 94 Passed By A Vote Of 216 “Ayes” To 215 “Nos,” Which Meant If One Aye Vote Had Switched To A No Vote, The Measure Would Have Failed.
[House Vote 94, 4/9/25; Congressional Quarterly, 4/9/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 313; Congressional Actions, H.Con. Res. 14]
¶ Hurd’s April Vote Was Considered A Blow To His Own Bill On Tariff Authority
The Procedural Vote On tariffs Was A Blow To Hurd’s Own Bill To Rein In Tariff Authority. According to Washington Examiner, “Eyes were also on centrist Republicans heading into the rule vote. Tucked into the rule is language that bans the House from voting to terminate Trump’s emergency declaration to impose tariffs until October. This is a blow to Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Jeff Hurd (R-CO), who are cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to rein in Trump’s tariffs authority.” [Washington Examiner, 4/9/25]
¶ May 2025: Hurd Co-Sponsored Rep. Kim’s Bill To increase congressional oversight of tariff authority
May 2025: Hurd Cosponsored Rep. Young Kim’s “REPORT Act” To Restore Congressional Oversight Of Executive Tariff Authority. "As first reported in Spectrum News, today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) introduced the Reviewing Economic and Protection Objectives for the Reciprocal Tariffs Act (REPORT) Act to restore Congressional oversight of the executive branch’s tariff authority. […] Rep. Jeff Hurd (CO-03) joined as an original cosponsor of the bill." [Press Release – Congresswoman Young Kim, 5/8/25]
¶ September 2025: Hurd Voted Again For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs
2025: Hurd Effectively Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs Through March 2026. In September 2025, Hurd voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the resolution [that] would allow for the tolling (the pausing of counting) of days for resolutions of inquiry from Sept. 30, 2025 through March 31, 2026. It also would provide that each day during the period from April 9, 2025, through March 31, 2026. would not constitute a calendar day for the purposes of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act with respect to a joint resolution to terminate President Donald Trump's April 2, 2025 executive order declaring a national emergency regarding tariffs on imported goods. The resolution also would provide that during the period for March 11, 2025 through March 31, 2026, would not constitute a calendar day for purposes of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act with respect to a joint resolution terminating a national emergency executive order declared by President Trump on Feb. 1, 2025. Such an executive order concerned tariffs on many Canadian and Mexican imports and Chinese goods. The resolution also would provide that the provisions of section 202 of the National Emergencies Act would not apply through March 31, 2026 to a joint resolution terminating the national emergency.” The vote was on the rule. The House agreed to the rule by a vote of 213 to 211. [House Vote 268, 9/16/25; Congressional Quarterly, 9/16/25; Congressional Actions, H.Res. 707;Congressional Actions, H.Con. Res. 14]
- Support Was Won From GOP Holdouts Through A Promise Of A Vote Later In The Week To Shorten The Block To End In January Rather Than March. According to Politico, “GOP leaders flipped several of the Republican holdouts with a promise to add language shortening the block on tariff disapproval votes to a forthcoming measure set for approval later in the week, per two Republicans with direct knowledge of the agreement. The expiration date on the block will be reset from March 31 to the end of January, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said Tuesday. It’s likely the Supreme Court will have ruled on a challenge to Trump’s tariff-declaring powers by then.” [Politico, 9/16/25]
¶ December 2025: Hurd Claimed He Was Wary Of Trump’s Tariff Threat About Greenland, Saying He Thought Tariffs Were More Appropriate To Address Trade Imbalances
Hurd Was Wary Of Trump’s Threat To Use Tariffs To Acquire Greenland And Said Tariffs Are Appropriate To “Address Trade Imbalances Or Trade Abuses.” According to Politico, "President Donald Trump’s threat to weaponize steep new tariffs as part of his bid to acquire Greenland could soon put queasy Republicans on the spot. […] Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) said the legality of Trump’s latest tariff threat over Greenland is ‘a question that I have not seen answered yet.’ He said he was wary of allowing a president to deploy tariffs as a way to secure new territory. ‘I think if it’s to address trade imbalances or trade abuses … then that’s the sort of thing where tariffs are certainly appropriate,’ Hurd said. ‘Outside of that context, I think it gets more problematic.’" [Politico, 1/20/26]
- Trump Threatened To Use New Tariffs As Part Of His Push To Acquire Greenland. According to Politico, "President Donald Trump’s threat to weaponize steep new tariffs as part of his bid to acquire Greenland could soon put queasy Republicans on the spot. […] But the 10 percent tariffs threatened against Denmark, France, Germany, the U.K. and four other countries that recently sent a small contingent of troops to Greenland offer a clear opportunity for congressional pushback from Republicans uneasy about the geopolitics of Trump’s audacious demands, their own free-trade views or a combination of both. The Greenland reckoning comes as the House prepares to come off the sidelines on the gamut of Trump’s second-term tariffs. Speaker Mike Johnson has so far been able to shield Trump — and his own GOP members — from a direct confrontation over the president’s aggressive levies, which have sparked private heartburn among some Republicans." [Politico, 1/20/26]
¶ February 10, 2026: Hurd Voted For A Procedural Trick To Block Votes On The Reversal Of Trump’s Tariffs
2026: Hurd Effectively Voted To Block Floor Votes On Terminating Tariffs Enacted Through Trump’s 2025 Executive Orders. In February 2026, Hurd voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the rule (H Res 1042) providing for floor consideration of the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act (HR 2189), the Undersea Cable Protection Act (HR 261), and the Securing America’s Critical Minerals Supply Act (HR 3617). […] It also would block the expedited consideration of joint resolutions terminating President Donald Trump's 2025 tariff actions under the Feb. 1, April 2, July 30, and Aug. 6 executive orders by providing that each day during the period from Feb. 10, 2026 through July 31, 2026, will not constitute a calendar day under the federal law pertaining to terminating national emergencies.” The vote was on the rule. The House rejected the rule by a vote of 214 to 217. [House Vote 60, 2/10/26; Congressional Quarterly, 2/10/26; Congressional Actions. H.Res. 1042]
- The Provision Was Added To A Rule Opening Debate On Three Unrelated Bills. According to Reuters, “Lawmakers voted 217-214 to derail the plan to bar tariff challenges through July 31, with three Republicans joining 214 Democrats in opposition. The prohibition was included in a measure intended to open debate on three unrelated bills.” [Reuters, 2/11/26]
- The House Adopted A Rule In March Of Last Year Barring Tariff Challenges That Expired In January Resulting In Speaker Johnson Calling Another Extension, Through This Rule, “Necessary.” According to Reuters, “Earlier in the day, Johnson told reporters that he expected the measure to pass the House, calling it necessary in view of an expected Supreme Court ruling on the legality of the tariffs. House Republicans first adopted a rule barring tariff challenges last March and later extended it through January.” [Reuters, 2/11/26]
- The Rule That Barred Tariffs Challenges Did Not Consider Days As “Calendar Days”, Blocking Democrats From Repealing Trump’s Declared National Emergency That Allowed For His Broad Tariffs. According to the Hill. “Trump declared national emergencies as a basis for implementing his broad-based global tariffs, as well as specific tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada. The National Emergencies Act dictates that Congress can use joint resolutions to repeal a national emergency, and outlines procedures to expedite that action after a certain number of calendar days. Multiple times last year, GOP leaders inserted language into procedural rule legislation to not count a ‘calendar day’ for the purposes of the National Emergencies Act until a specific date, blocking members from forcing action to repeal the tariffs. That prohibition expired at the end of January as GOP leaders faced resistance from Republicans. The latest attempt would have reinstated that prohibition until July 31, 2026.” [Reuters, 2/11/26]
- Johnson Delayed The Vote From 1:30 PM To 8:30 PM In An Attempt To Flip Votes. According to the Hill, “Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) was unable to win over the holdouts, despite delaying the vote from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.” [Hill, 2/10/26]
¶ Trump BRIEFLY withdrew his endorsement of hurd because hurd voted to terminate trump’s tariffs on canada
¶ October 2025: Hurd Said He Looked Forward “To Working With President Trump” After Trump’s Endorsement
October 2025: Hurd Said He Looked Forward To Continuing To Work With Trump After Trump Endorsed Him For Congress. According to Jeff Hurd’s Instagram, “Colorado’s 3rd deserves strong, effective leadership that delivers results. I look forward to working with President Trump to keep our border secure, advance American energy dominance, support our veterans, defend our freedoms, and ensure peace through strength. 🇺🇸 #CO03”
[Instagram, @jeff4colorado, 10/25/25]
¶ February 11, 2026: Hurd Voted To Terminate Trump’s Tariffs On Canada
2/11/26: Hurd Voted For Terminating Tariffs On Canada. In February 2026, Hurd voted for, according to Congressional Quarterly, “the joint resolution that would terminate the Feb. 1, 2025, national emergency that imposed tariffs on goods from Canada.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the joint resolution by a vote of 219 to 211. [House Vote 65, 2/11/26; Congressional Quarterly, 2/11/26; Congressional Actions. H.J. Res. 72]
¶ February 20, 2026: Hurd Affirmed The Supreme Court Decision To Restrict Trump’s Tariff Authorities, Saying That Congress Must Be Involved For Strong Trade Leverage
2/20/26: Hurd Affirmed The Supreme Court Decision Against Trump’s Tariffs And Said, “We Must Protect American Industry And Strengthen Our Leverage” But That Congress Was Necessary For Stable Leverage And Constitutional Action. According to Colorado Politics, "In a statement, U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd of Grand Junction, the only Republican member of the state's delegation to publicly oppose the tariffs, called them ‘a useful tool when applied strategically’ but added that the ruling ‘underscores the need for Congress to play its proper role in trade policy.’ […] ‘Strong trade enforcement must be grounded in durable legal footing,’ Hurd said Friday, adding that he has heard from businesses in his district concerned about the ‘uncertainty’ created by Trump's tariffs. ‘We must protect American industry and strengthen our leverage but that leverage must be stable, predictable, and accountable to the American people,’ Hurd said. ‘If tariffs are necessary, Congress should debate them and vote on them directly. That is how our constitutional system is designed to function.’" [Colorado Politics, 2/20/26]
¶ February 21, 2026: Trump Withdrew His Endorsement Of Hurd Due To His Vote Against Tariffs
2/21/26: Trump Withdrew His Endorsement Of Hurd Based On His Vote Against Tariffs. According to the Hill, "President Trump withdrew his endorsement for Rep. Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) on Saturday over what he called a ‘lack of support’ for the president’s sweeping tariff agenda, saying he would endorse Hurd’s challenger in the upcoming GOP primary instead. ‘Based of 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, and fully Endorsing Highly Respected Patriot, Hope Scheppelman, to take his place in Congress,’ Trump wrote in a lengthy Truth Social post. […] As the vote unfolded, Trump took to social media to caution Republicans about potential political consequences if they opposed tariffs, a threat he has now acted on by pulling his support for Hurd. ‘Congressman Hurd is one of a small number of Legislators who have let me and our Country down. He is more interested in protecting Foreign Countries that have been ripping us off for decades than he is the United States of America,’ Trump wrote Saturday." [The Hill, 2/21/26]
Hurd Posted On Social Media After Trump Withdrew His Endorsement And Said His Commitment Was To The Constitution And His Constituents. According to Washington Times, "Mr. Hurd posted a defense on social media without directly addressing Mr. Trump. ‘When I took office, I swore an oath to the Constitution and to the people I serve,’ he posted. ‘Every vote I cast is guided by what is best for this district and the long-term strength of our country. Leadership requires independent judgment and the willingness to stand on principle.’ Mr. Hurd said his focus is on delivering results for Colorado, including strengthening American energy production, supporting farmers and ranchers, restoring fiscal discipline, protecting water resources and backing our veterans and law enforcement. ‘That’s the job I was elected to do and I’ll keep doing it with conviction, optimism, and a deep gratitude for the people I serve,’ he said." [Washington Times, 2/22/26]
¶ March 2026: Hurd Expressed His Gratitude And Goal Alignment When Trump Re-Endorsed Him
3/20/26: Trump Reversed His Prior Decision And Re-Endorsed Hurd For Re-Election, Saying He Had His “Complete And Total Endorsement.” According to New York Times,"President Trump on Friday reversed himself and re-endorsed Representative Jeff Hurd, Republican of Colorado, an unusual move that came a month after he pulled his support from Mr. Hurd over a disagreement about tariffs. […] The president added that Mr. Hurd ‘should in no way, shape, or form, be impeded from winning’ re-election in his conservative-leaning swing district, which covers much of the western half of Colorado. ‘I will be fully supporting Jeff’s Re-Election to the House of Representatives, giving him my Complete and Total Endorsement!’ Mr. Trump wrote. ‘Every true MAGA supporter and Republican, if they truly care about saving our Country, will do everything in their power to unify together.’" [New York Times, 3/20/26]
Hurd Expressed Gratitude For Trump’s Re-Endorsement And Said That He And The President Shared The Same Goals. According to New York Times, "Mr. Hurd said Friday that he was grateful for Mr. Trump’s support. ‘The President and I share the same goals: securing the border, American energy dominance, and helping working families,’ he said in a statement, adding that he would continue to run ‘a serious campaign.’ Mr. Hurd, a first-term congressman, was one of six House Republicans who joined most Democrats in supporting a largely symbolic measure in February to rescind tariffs that Mr. Trump imposed on Canada last year. Mr. Hurd has said Mr. Trump’s tariffs harmed agricultural and steel producers in his district." [New York Times, 3/20/26]
- Hurd’s Campaign Claimed He Did Not Ask Trump To Convince His Opponent To Drop Out Or For A Re-Endorsement. According to Aspen Times, “Bayer said Hurd did not ask Trump to re-endorse him or to convince his primary challenger to drop out, nor did he ask Republican leadership to lobby for the president's support on his behalf.” [Aspen Times, 3/23/26]
¶ Hurd admitted tariffs were bad, but his reasoning for voting against them was almost entirely about executive overreach and not cost increases
¶ Hurd Admitted He Knew Tariffs Were Negatively Affecting Coloradans Because They Told Him, But He Had Voted To Protect Them For An Entire Year
Hurd Said He Knew And Heard “Loud And Clear” About The Negative Effects Of Tariffs On His Constituents. In an interview on the Dan Caplis Show, Jeff Hurd said, “HURD: But the other was these tariffs are hurting our district in Colorado. It's hurting our agricultural producers, the farmers that grow our food. I heard that loud and clear from them. And it's also hurting some of our manufacturers, small and large, including the largest steel rail manufacturer in the United States, which is in Pueblo. And so there's constitutional concerns. And also the effect on my constituents in Colorado’s third district were the reason that I voted the way that I did.” [Dan Caplis Show, 2/14/26] (audio)
Hurd Knew Tariffs Were “Hurting A Lot Of People In My District.” In an interview on the Dan Caplis Show, Jeff Hurd said, “CAPLIS: One of the big questions is how do the Canada tariffs hurt the people in your district? HURD: True, well, exports to Canada support more than 2000 jobs in Colorado's third district, there are nearly 700 employees working at 45 Canadian owned businesses in the third District. My district exports more than $150 million in goods annually to Canada and $133 million in services. So, this trade volatility impacts payrolls, it impacts capital investment, contracts, long term planning. And also, it hurts our agricultural producers, our farmers in the San Luis Valley, for example, as well, as I mentioned, the steel manufacturer in Pueblo, that's the largest steel rail manufacturer in the country, is impacted by these tariffs as well. So it's a direct impact to our district, Dan, so that again, I heard loud and clear from the folks that I represent that this was something that was hurting a lot of people in my district.” [Dan Caplis Show, 2/14/26] (audio)
- Hurd Said He “Didn’t Go To Congress To Be Popular” But “To Do The Right Thing.” In an interview on the Dan Caplis Show, Jeff Hurd said, “HURD: In this case, I thought it was clear that that the Constitution and the law did not justify or couldn't support the tariffs. And I know, I knew it wouldn't be popular, but I didn't go to Congress to be popular on every vote, I did it to do the right thing. And in this case, I stand by that decision.” [Dan Caplis Show, 2/14/26] (audio)
¶ Hurd Claimed He Was Hard To Vote Against Tariffs Despite Knowing They Were Hurting Coloradans
Hurd Claimed That He Voted To Terminate Tariffs Because “It's Not Easy, But It's The Right Thing.” In an interview on KQFX (FOX) after the February 2026 tariff vote, Rep. Jeff Hurd said, “HURD: I think under the Constitution Article I Section VIII is clear that this authority resides with Congress. So, at the end of the day, I look at the Constitution and look at what was in the best interests of my district, and I took the vote. It's not easy, but it's the right thing and I stand by it.” [KQFX (FOX), 2/12/26] (video)
Hurd Said It Was “Tough” And Member Could Get “Isolated” When They Cast Votes Against The Party Line, Like He Did On Tariffs. According to Ripon Society, " Less than two weeks after the Supreme Court struck down many of the administration’s tariffs, two Republican Members of Congress appeared before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society yesterday morning to discuss what’s at stake for trade and Congressional authority. The two members — Congressman Kevin Kiley (CA-03) and Congressman Jeff Hurd (CO-03) — both previously voted to disapprove of some of the administration’s trade actions, which the Court found exceeded presidential authority even under emergency powers. […] Hurd, a first-term legislator and lawyer, discussed the pressures that come with casting a principled vote. ‘It's tough. You get isolated in a way. You're taking tough votes like this, and you're standing on principle. ... Standing up for what is right for your district, but also under the constitution.’" [Ripon Society, 3/6/26]
¶ Hurd Said One Of The Fundamental Reasons He Voted Against Tariffs Was Not Because He Disapproved Of Them, But Because Of The Way They Were Done
Hurd Agreed With “Trump’s Goal” For Tariffs But Said He Differed “Just On The Vehicle.” In an interview on the Dan Caplis Show, Jeff Hurd said, “HURD: And I would say this, Dan, I support completely President Trump's goal of protecting American industry. I completely agree in addressing trade abuses and trade imbalances. I get it. Where I differ is just on the vehicle. And I thought in this case, my job is to defend my district and the Constitution. And this wasn't a partisan issue for me. It wasn't against the president. It was an economic issue. And, you know, when farmers and manufacturers in my district speak up, I listen.” [Dan Caplis Show, 2/14/26] (audio), 260214_EGJ_2639_A (00:03:53 -> 00:04:22)
Hurd Did Not Commit To Voting Against All Liberation Day Tariffs And Said He Supported Trump’s Trade Goals, But Just Wanted To Do It In A Way That Aligned With Constitutional Authority. According to an interview with Rep. Jeff Hurd on Capitol Conversations, “SCHILKE: And we're going to see potentially some other similar types of bills hit the floor of the House. We're going to see Democrats try to force one on Mexico, tariffs on Brazil, tariffs that were kind of included in that lump liberation day order that the president put out. Do you see yourself voting to overturn those as well? You had mentioned kind of just now that that you look at this specific emergency order and you found issues with it. Does those same issues still apply to the ones like for Mexico and Brazil? HURD: Great question. I'm going to have to look at the underlying justifications for each of those. I'm going to take them one a one-off basis, each one evaluating the merits of it. Like I said, I think in certain circumstances it may be justified. Congress has indeed delegated some authority with respect to these issues, but it depends on what the specific circumstance is. And I say this as somebody that supports and agrees with the president's goals of onshoring domestic manufacturing and building more things here in America, manufacturing more things in America, growing more crops here in America, raising larger beef herds here in America. And so I support those goals. I'm 100% aligned. It's just we need to make sure we do it in the right way, a way that's aligned with the Constitution.” [Capitol Conversations, 2/16/26] (video)
- Hurd Acknowledged How “Essential” Trade With Mexico Was To The U.S. Economy. According to the Herald-Review, "Another Colorado representative, Jeff Hurd, said he was impressed with the commerce and trade that goes back and forth between Mexico and the United States. The representatives visited a warehouse near Nogales that imports fruits and vegetables from Mexico. […] ‘We saw how essential trade [with Mexico] is to our economy,’ Hurd said." [Herald-Review, 3/12/25]
¶ One Of Hurd’s Primary Reasons For Voting Against Tariffs Was Purely Political
Hurd Said One Of The Fundamental Reasons He Voted Against Tariffs Was Fear Of A Democratic President Using “Them In Ways That We Don’t Like.” In an interview on the Dan Caplis Show, Jeff Hurd said, “HURD: Now, Congress has delegated certain limited powers to the executive branch, but I did not think that they applied in this instance. And my concern was if we normalize broad emergency trade powers now, a future Democratic president could use them in ways that we don't like and that are also not consistent with the Constitution. So that was one of the fundamental reasons.” [Dan Caplis Show, 2/14/26] (audio)
¶ Tariffs Disrupted Industries Across Colorado
¶ Tariffs Disrupted Construction And Housing Industries In Colorado
Tariffs Were Estimated To Significantly Impact The Housing Industry In Western Colorado. According to the Colorado Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting, “The regional impacts of tariffs on home construction are likely to hit the Denver Metro region the hardest, where new construction is most concentrated and in highest demand. Other areas acutely impacted include Weld and Larimer counties in the Northern region, the Colorado Springs region, Pueblo in the South, Eagle County in the Mountain Region, and Garfield and Mesa counties on the Western Slope. […] Colorado builders rely heavily on imported lumber, steel, aluminum, and copper for new home construction, while other finished products like appliances, electronics, HVAC systems, and the components used to assemble them in the U.S. are also commonly imported. Tariffs on these materials and the countries that supply them translate directly into higher construction costs and new home prices. […] By directly increasing input costs and reducing profit margins for developers, tariffs are also likely to further reduce new housing projects, which have declined substantially since their mid- 2022 peak and are currently at 8-year lows. Slowing growth in new housing supply will put upward pressure on home prices and exacerbate affordability concerns. Affordable housing projects are specifically at higher risk for delays or cancellation due to their already-tight margins.” [Colorado Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting, 9/4/25]
Colorado Construction Company Said Trump’s Tariffs On Canada And Asian Countries Would Have A Major Impact On Them. According to the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, "Trump tariffs on Canada and Asian nations would have a particularly major impact on Shaw’s finances. ‘Almost everything we touch, to some degree, has an international component on it. From cabinets to the millwork that’s included in the cabinets, a lot of that can be from South Korea, it can be from China. That’s one example of one industry affected by tariffs,’ Meyer said. ‘The wood framing industry, a big aspect of that comes from Canada with the Doug fir. There’s a lot of reports in the news about using wood domestically and they always reference southern pine out of the southeast, but in the Rocky Mountain region, the western U.S., we don’t use that wood because it warps and it doesn’t have the same structural integrity as Doug fir. We’re looking at Doug fir from Canada. There’s pockets of Oregon and Wyoming and Montana, but our fear is that when you start playing this tariff game, that goes on and those other domestic mills will sense the blood in the water and maybe start to increase their pricing, as well.’" [Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, 4/30/25]
HEADLINE: "Colorado Economists Warn Of Rising Home Prices, Job Losses As Tariffs Hit Construction Materials" [Vail Daily, 4/21/25]
¶ Tariffs Disrupted Small Businesses In Colorado
Deputy Director For The Colorado Office Of Economic Development And International Trade Said Tariff Impacts Were Especially Hard On Colorado Small Businesses. According to Summit Daily, "Jeff Kraft, deputy director for the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, said tariff impacts could be especially painful for the state’s 715,000 small businesses, which collectively employ nearly half the state’s workforce. ‘These businesses play a particularly important role in rural Colorado … and they are least well equipped to handle the confusion and uncertainty associated with tariffs and changing tariffs,’ Kraft said. ‘So their owners face agonizing choices: do they lay someone off, do they cut salaries, do they cut their own salary, do they go out of business?’ Kraft said those are the conversations ‘we’re hearing every day,’ adding that small business challenges can greatly derail smaller, rural communities." [Summit Daily, 9/4/25]
Colorado Small Business Owner: “Ultimately, Tariffs Hurt Our Ability To Compete, Which Is The Very Thing They Are Supposed To Help With." According to U.S. News & World Report, "Many small businesses have also been forced to make difficult decisions, like raising prices and cutting their staff. One of them is Shaun Beall’s furniture company, Tactile Audio Furniture. Based in Colorado since its founding in 2019, Beall’s company specializes in custom furniture for music lovers and audiophiles. […] ‘Made in America’ rarely means that something is 100% sourced and manufactured here. The reality is that we live in a global supply chain, and some things that are essential just aren't available domestically at any price. Also, functionally tariffs are paid by U.S. companies importing goods. We as the importer write the check to the U.S. government. It's a tax on us plain and simple. Tariffs are not being paid by foreign governments or suppliers. Tariffs create a negative economic ripple effect for our local supply partners, our workers and our customers. Ultimately, tariffs hurt our ability to compete, which is the very thing they are supposed to help with." [U.S. News & World Report, 8/21/25]
Colorado Small Business Owner Said Tariffs Were Creating A “Drag” On Their Business Operations, Which Made Them Less Competitive And Hurt Their Ability To Confidently Invest In Growth. According to U.S. News & World Report, " Many small businesses have also been forced to make difficult decisions, like raising prices and cutting their staff. One of them is Shaun Beall’s furniture company, Tactile Audio Furniture. Based in Colorado since its founding in 2019, Beall’s company specializes in custom furniture for music lovers and audiophiles. […] Was there a notable shift in operations before versus after the tariffs began? While we do our best to source materials, tools and supplies locally and sustainably, the reality is that some essential items just aren't available domestically at any price. We have seen tariffs create dramatic fluctuations in some material costs and availability. The constantly changing tariff policies have created an environment of uncertainty as well. Overall that has created a drag on our business operations, which makes us less competitive and hurts our ability to confidently invest in growth." [U.S. News & World Report, 8/21/25]
Colorado Small Business Owner Said The Increased Cost And Decreased Availability Of Some Materials Had Caused Them To Pull Back On Staffing. According to U.S. News & World Report, " Many small businesses have also been forced to make difficult decisions, like raising prices and cutting their staff. One of them is Shaun Beall’s furniture company, Tactile Audio Furniture. Based in Colorado since its founding in 2019, Beall’s company specializes in custom furniture for music lovers and audiophiles. […] When did tariffs start making an impact, and what have they affected most? We first started seeing the effect of tariffs in April. For us, the increased cost and decreased availability of some critical materials has been the most challenging part. This has caused us to pull back a little on staffing while we see where things will land. We have also spent more on building inventory of raw materials to help offset pricing and availability risk. This is capital that could have been better used for investing in our growth. These are funds generally directed at other local small businesses and contractors that we partner with, so there is a ripple effect happening." [U.S. News & World Report, 8/21/25]
HEADLINE: "Colorado Businesses To Feel Impacts Of Trump's 50% Tariffs On India" [CBS Colorado, 8/8/25]
HEADLINE: "As Trump Tariff Threats Escalate, Colorado Companies Hit By Wild Swings In The Stock Market" [Denver Gazette, 4/7/25]
¶ Tariffs Disrupted Agriculture And Farming In Colorado
Owner Of Morning Fresh Daily Explained His Challenges Accessing Fertilizer And Exporting Goods Due To Tariffs. According to Colorado Politics, "Rob Graves and his daughter, Amber, operate the Morning Fresh Dairy in Bellvue, in the Pleasant Valley area of Larimer County. It’s a five-generation dairy that has been in business since 1894. On the input side, his ability to get phosphates for his operations from Russia has been impacted by tariffs, Graves said. On the export side, corn and wheat prices are down because of tariffs." [Colorado Politics, 1/21/26]
Western Sugar Senior Agriculturist Said Costs To Farm Have Increased Per-Acre And Banks Were Not Able To Help Because They Were Also Suffering. According to Colorado Politics, "Kreg Vollmer is a senior agriculturist at Western Sugar in Sterling. Five or six years ago, he said, it cost about $1,110 per acre to harvest sugar beets. Now it’s between $1,400 and $1,500 per acre, including fertilizer and pest control costs. ‘And if you don’t have an outlet for the product, it’s not just us who are hurting,’ Vollmer said. ‘It makes it hard for the bankers to support us, too, especially in small communities. If we can’t get loans,’ he said, noting that Wells Fargo has gotten out of ag banking, ‘there aren’t many options for us. The balance sheets don’t match up, and banks can’t give us a loan…There are guys who won’t grow anything this year,’ Vollmer said." [Colorado Politics, 1/21/26]
Operator Of PFZ Farms Said Equipment Costs Have Increased And Used Equipment Cannot Be Fixed Because Parts Were Impacted By Tariffs. According to Colorado Politics, "Roy Pfaltzgraff operates the third-generation PFZ Farms in Haxtun. He grows a variety of crops, including mushrooms, and is quite involved in the scientific and technological side of farming. He also is a beekeeper. Pfaltzgraff said his farm doesn’t have access to crop insurance or other government agricultural subsidies, and he’s also had struggles with his bank. Equipment costs have gone up by 50%, he said, and it’s almost impossible to find new equipment because it’s imported from China. Instead, he’s had to buy used equipment. But that means parts, and those have been impacted by tariffs, too, he explained." [Colorado Politics, 1/21/26]