Trump Calls for Release of Convicted Colorado Clerk Tina Peters

DENVER, Colorado — President Donald Trump intensified his defense of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters on Monday by calling her a “political prisoner” and demanding her immediate release from prison. In a social media post, Trump claimed Peters is being unjustly punished, stating that the U.S. Department of Justice should take necessary actions to help secure her release.

“FREE TINA PETERS, NOW!” he wrote, labeling her as a “hostage” being held in a Colorado prison for political reasons by the Democrats.

Peters was convicted in August 2023 on seven counts related to election tampering, including felonies for facilitating unauthorized access to county voting equipment. She was sentenced to nine years in prison for her actions, which were part of a broader effort to prove false claims of voter fraud.

Trump criticized Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, arguing that he neglects more serious crimes while targeting Peters, who he describes as a 69-year-old Gold Star mother. “This is a Communist persecution by the Radical Left Democrats to cover up their Election crimes and misdeeds in 2020,” he stated.

Attorney General Weiser responded to Trump’s claims, asserting, “Tina Peters is in prison because of her own actions. A grand jury indicted her, and a trial jury found her guilty of breaking Colorado’s criminal laws. No one is above the law.” He added that his office would continue to defend her conviction.

Peters remains a controversial figure among her supporters, who believe her prosecution is politically motivated. Despite claims from her advocates, post-election audits in Colorado have found no evidence of fraud. Trump’s comments have reignited debates regarding election integrity and the fairness of her trial.

As the legal battle continues, Peters’s lawyers are pursuing an appeal in state court. Recent court updates indicate that U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Varholak is likely to return her case to state court for further review.