Colorado Governor Jared Polis is facing pressure from former President Donald Trump to release Tina Peters, a convicted election clerk who has become a hero among conspiracy theorists. However, Polis has refused to budge, saying he will review all applications submitted for clemency just like any other.
Trump's involvement in Peters' case began in May, when the Department of Justice announced it was reviewing her conviction. Since then, Trump has posted about Peters' cause on Truth Social, claiming she is a "political prisoner" and urging Polis to release her. Trump even issued a pardon on Truth Social last month, although he has no power to pardon those convicted on state charges.
Peters was convicted in August 2024 on seven of the 10 charges she faced, including four felonies. She has been serving around 14 months of a nine-year prison sentence and is due for parole in September 2028.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold warned that reducing Peters' sentence could embolden far-right groups attacking elections and election officials. "I have major concerns that commuting this sentence would emboldens the far right that has been attacking our elections," Griswold said.
Trump's actions have left many in Colorado baffled, with some officials expressing concern that he is engaging in a retribution campaign against Polis for not releasing Peters. Election workers have also expressed concerns about the potential consequences of commuting Peters' sentence, particularly given the hostile environment already faced by election officials due to conspiracy theories and lies spread by Trump and his supporters.
The White House did not respond to questions about whether Trump is conducting a retribution campaign against Colorado, but provided reasons for each action taken.
Trump's involvement in Peters' case began in May, when the Department of Justice announced it was reviewing her conviction. Since then, Trump has posted about Peters' cause on Truth Social, claiming she is a "political prisoner" and urging Polis to release her. Trump even issued a pardon on Truth Social last month, although he has no power to pardon those convicted on state charges.
Peters was convicted in August 2024 on seven of the 10 charges she faced, including four felonies. She has been serving around 14 months of a nine-year prison sentence and is due for parole in September 2028.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold warned that reducing Peters' sentence could embolden far-right groups attacking elections and election officials. "I have major concerns that commuting this sentence would emboldens the far right that has been attacking our elections," Griswold said.
Trump's actions have left many in Colorado baffled, with some officials expressing concern that he is engaging in a retribution campaign against Polis for not releasing Peters. Election workers have also expressed concerns about the potential consequences of commuting Peters' sentence, particularly given the hostile environment already faced by election officials due to conspiracy theories and lies spread by Trump and his supporters.
The White House did not respond to questions about whether Trump is conducting a retribution campaign against Colorado, but provided reasons for each action taken.
Trump's trying to get Peters released from prison and Polis ain't having it 
but what's the real motive here? 
is it just about politics or is there more to it? 
I don't think Trump should be meddling with this situation at all, it's like he's trying to stir up trouble 
and put pressure on Polis 
but I also feel bad for Peters, she's been through a lot already 
I mean, sure, Tina Peters was convicted of some stuff and all, but does that really warrant a full-on campaign to get her released? And now Polis is getting heat for not giving in? Like, come on, Jared's doing his job and reviewing applications like everyone else... shouldn't Trump just respect the process? 
It's also pretty wild that he thinks a pardon on Truth Social makes him all-powerful. Newsflash, Donald: it doesn't 
. I mean, Tina Peters might have made some mistakes as an election clerk, but 14 months of prison feels like a pretty harsh punishment 
. It's like they're trying to cover up something. And Polis is right to stick to his guns 
. I don't think we should be swayed by Trump's tweets and just because he said so 
. What if it's all just a big publicity stunt? 
. I mean, come on, she's already serving 14 months of a nine-year sentence and now Trump wants her out? It's not like she didn't do anything wrong in the first place... 
. But at the same time, it's kinda concerning how Trump is going after him like this. Is he trying to send a message or just stirring up trouble? 
it seems like he's more concerned about being liked by his fans than doing what's actually right. 
rather than just taking responsibility for her actions and serving out her sentence like everyone else.
! He thinks he can just pardon someone on Truth Social 
and expect everyone to bow down 
? Newsflash: it doesn't work that way 
! Polis is doing the right thing by not giving in to Trump's demands 
, it's gonna be a big mess 
, but not when it comes at the expense of election integrity 
. Let's focus on finding solutions to real problems instead of playing politics 
.
.
). It's just about understanding the bigger picture: releasing Peters could embolden far-right groups to keep spreading election lies and causing chaos 
. Let's hope Polis sticks to his guns on this one 
... so trump thinks he can just pardon ppl on truth social and expect everyone to roll with it? 
anyway, i'm kinda surprised polis didn't just let peters go already. i guess you gotta wonder if there's more to this story than meets the eye... or maybe trump just really wants to be the 'savior' of some conspiracy theorists 