Trump Calls for Release of Jailed Colorado Clerk Tina Peters After Election System Breach
Former President Donald Trump is calling on Colorado officials to release Tina Peters, the ex-Mesa County clerk currently serving a nine-year prison sentence for her role in one of the most serious breaches of election security in U.S. history. Peters was convicted in 2024 for stealing and distributing confidential voting system data in a failed effort to support Trump’s unfounded claims of voter fraud following the 2020 election. In a Truth Social post, Trump labeled Peters a “political prisoner” and claimed her actions were intended to “expose Democrat Election Fraud,” further accusing state officials of politically motivated prosecution.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser swiftly responded, affirming that Peters was indicted and convicted based on state laws and evidence presented in court. “Tina Peters is in prison because of her own actions,” Weiser said, adding that his office will continue defending the conviction throughout all appeals. Since Peters was convicted under state law, Trump has no power to pardon her, though he said he directed the DOJ to explore federal intervention. Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, holds the only authority to issue a state-level pardon.
Peters’ crime, committed after the 2020 election, involved unauthorized access to secure election equipment and leaking the data online. Audits of Mesa County’s election results found no evidence of tampering or fraud. At her sentencing, multiple residents—including a man whose identity was used in the breach—testified to the damage caused by Peters’ actions, both personally and financially. Mesa County officials say the incident cost the county over $1.4 million and severely damaged public trust.
Despite her conviction, Peters continues to seek a legal pathway to move her case to federal court. As of now, a federal judge has not ruled on the request. Meanwhile, groups like the States United Democracy Center argue her sentence reflects the seriousness of her betrayal of public trust. “She deserves to be held accountable,” said director Gillian Feiner.
