By Anna CommanderShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberPresident Donald Trump announced that he is granting a "full pardon" to former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters "for her attempts to expose Voter Fraud in the Rigged 2020 Presidential Election!"
Any potential federal action—including attempted clemency by Trump—holds no legal authority over state convictions, The New York Times reports. Only Democratic Colorado Governor Jared Polis holds constitutional power to grant a pardon for Peters' state-level crimes.
Newsweek reached out to Polis' office via email for comment.
Why It Matters
Peters’ high-profile conviction and incarceration for state-level election crimes in Colorado have been at the center of partisan disputes over election integrity and alleged abuses of government authority.
Peters was sentenced to nine years in prison following her conviction in October 2024 on charges related to tampering with voting machines.
What To Know
In a post to Truth Social Thursday evening, Trump said, "For years, Democrats ignored Violent and Vicious Crime of all shapes, sizes, colors, and types. Violent Criminals who should have been locked up were allowed to attack again. Democrats were also far too happy to let in the worst from the worst countries so they could rip off American Taxpayers. Democrats only think there is one crime – Not voting for them! Instead of protecting Americans and their Tax Dollars, Democrats chose instead to prosecute anyone they can find that wanted Safe and Secure Elections.
"Democrats have been relentless in their targeting of TINA PETERS, a Patriot who simply wanted to make sure that our Elections were Fair and Honest. Tina is sitting in a Colorado prison for the 'crime' of demanding Honest Elections. Today I am granting Tina a full Pardon for her attempts to expose Voter Fraud in the Rigged 2020 Presidential Election!"
Peters' case has become a flashpoint in Republican politics, with lawmakers like Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene also calling for Peters to be released from prison.
Peters reacted to the president's announcement on X, saying in part, "Thank you!"
...What People Are Saying
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a Democrat, on X Thursday: "Tina Peters is in Colorado state prison because she broke the law and was convicted by a jury of her peers. In Colorado, no one is above the law. I’m not afraid of Donald Trump or his political pressure—I will always stand up for the rule of law and fight for what’s right."
Rudy Giuliani, on X Thursday: "BREAKING NEWS: President Trump grants pardon to Tina Peters. While Tina is currently in state prison, the pardon ensures the federal government can not pursue federal charges and gives renewed focus and attention to Tina's story. What they've done to her is un-American."
Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, a Democrat, also on X Thursday: "Tina Peters is rightfully in Colorado state prison. Trump's corrupt and political attempts at a pardon won't work here. Once again, if you can't do the time, don't do the crime."
What Happens Next
Peters remains incarcerated in La Vista Correctional Facility while her appeal is pending before the Colorado Court of Appeals.
Update 12/11/25, 9:16 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Recommended For You
PoliticsIndiana Rejects Redistricting in Major Blow to Donald Trump3 min read
BusinessPrimark Recall: Customers Told to Stop Using Baby Product ‘Immediately’2 min read
NewsLegal Analysts React as Letitia James Handed New Legal Win4 min read
PoliticsList of Republicans Trying to Force Mike Johnson to Hold ACA Subsidies Vote5 min read
NewsFederal Agent Briefly Kidnapped During Operation in Minnesota3 min read
PoliticsDid Kristi Noem Suddenly Leave Hearing? What We Know3 min readRelated Podcasts
Top Stories
NewsDonald Trump Reacts After Indiana Republicans Reject Redistricting Map4 min read
NewsAmericans to Get Average Refund of Extra $1,000 Next Year: White House3 min read
For MembersNewsUncommon Knowledge: The MAGA Magnet in Trump’s ‘Decaying’ Europe5 min read
U.S.Amy Coney Barrett Raises Question on Supreme Court Case Helping Republicans4 min read
NewsCharlie Kirk’s Accused Killer Tyler Robinson Smiles in First Court Appearance4 min read
PoliticsIndiana Rejects Redistricting in Major Blow to Donald Trump5 min readTrending
MedicareMedicare Coverage Is Changing Next Month4 min read
Scott BessentAmericans To Get Refunds of Up to $2,000 Next Year: Scott Bessent3 min read
snow stormWinter Storm Warning as 15 Inches of Snow To Strike: ‘Extreme Caution’4 min read
Live BlogUS Announces New Sanctions on Maduro Family After Tanker Seizure: Live Updates3 min read
Donald Trump13 Republicans Vote to Nullify Donald Trump’s Executive Order5 min readOpinion
OpinionTrump Disparages Somalis While America Destroys Their Country | Opinion4 min read
For MembersOpinionConventional Wisdom: The Olivia Nuzzi-RFK Jr. Saga4 min read
OpinionBad Medicine—How Secretary Kennedy Is Jeopardizing LGBTQ Lives | Opinion5 min read
OpinionIf You Defend Human Rights, These Missing Children Matter Too | Opinion5 min read
OpinionGöring, Victoria and Trump | Opinion5 min read