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President Donald Trump on Wednesday criticized Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis over the continued imprisonment of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who is serving a nine-year sentence for allowing unauthorized access to county election systems.
In a Truth Social post, the president called Polis a “sleazebag” and argued that Peters, whom he described as “an elderly woman,” was “unfairly convicted” and should be released. “She was convicted for trying to stop Democrats from stealing Colorado Votes in the Election,” President Trump wrote. “She was preserving Election Records, which she was obligated to do under Federal Law.”
Peters was found guilty in August 2024 on charges that included attempting to influence a public servant, conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, first-degree official misconduct, violation of duty and failure to comply with the secretary of state.
Prosecutors said she allowed an outside individual affiliated with MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell to access sensitive election software during the 2020 election. Lindell had claimed that voting machines were manipulated to benefit Joe Biden.
At her sentencing, District Judge Matthew Barrett said Peters “abused” her authority and showed no remorse. “I am convinced you would do it all over again if you could. You’re as defiant as any defendant this court has ever seen,” Barrett said, the Washington Examiner reported. “You are no hero. You abused your position, and you’re a charlatan.”
Peters has maintained her innocence, saying she “only wanted to serve the people of Mesa County.”
President Trump noted she has served more than a year of her sentence and referenced her past battle with cancer while demanding her release. “This lightweight Governor… should be ashamed of himself. FREE TINA!” he wrote.
The Truth Social message echoed a similar post by the president from August.
“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. Let Tina Peters out of jail, RIGHT NOW. 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!!!” he posted at the time.