President Donald Trump on Thursday reignited his push for Colorado officials to release Tina Peters, a former Mesa County election clerk convicted of multiple felonies tied to a 2020 election equipment breach. Trump escalated his rhetoric by warning that he would take “harsh measures” if she is not freed.
“FREE TINA PETERS, a brave and innocent Patriot who has been tortured by Crooked Colorado politicians, including the big Mail-In Ballot supporting the governor of the State,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Let Tina Peters out of jail, RIGHT NOW.”
He continued, “She did nothing wrong, except catching the Democrats cheat in the Election. She is an old woman, and very sick. If she is not released, I am going to take harsh measures!!!”
While Trump did not elaborate on the “harsh measures,” he has previously threatened to withhold federal funding from states or jurisdictions that defy his political agenda.
Peters, 69, was convicted in 2024 on seven counts — including four felonies — for her role in giving unauthorized access to Mesa County’s election equipment in a failed effort to prove voter fraud. Despite claims from her and her allies, no evidence of widespread fraud was uncovered. She was sentenced to nine years in prison.
Trump has repeatedly backed Peters, even instructing the Justice Department earlier this year to intervene on her behalf.
The former president has for years advanced the unfounded narrative that the 2020 election was “rigged.” These claims have fueled his opposition to mail-in voting and led to executive actions aimed at reshaping election laws.
In March, Trump signed an executive order directing states to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. He has also signaled new measures targeting mail-in voting — a system experts say is secure, with very few documented cases of fraud.
While Trump continues to push sweeping federal changes, the U.S. Constitution grants states authority over election administration. Legal experts note that any federal attempt to seize control of state-run elections would face significant constitutional challenges.
