President Donald Trump on Monday issued a statement on social media calling for the release of Tina Peters, a former Colorado elections official recently sentenced to jail, denouncing her incarceration as politically motivated and unjust.
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump described Peters as “an innocent Political Prisoner” and a “69-year-old Gold Star mother” who he claims is being punished for exposing what he called “Democrat Election Fraud.” Trump directed his criticism at Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, accusing him of ignoring violent crimes while prosecuting Peters.
“Colorado must end this unjust incarceration of an innocent American,” Trump wrote. “FREE TINA PETERS, NOW!”
Peters, a former Mesa County clerk, was sentenced to jail time last week for obstruction and other charges tied to a security breach of voting equipment following the 2020 election. Her case has drawn national attention from election denial supporters and critics alike, with prosecutors arguing she abused her office to support false claims of voter fraud.
DOJ action demanded by Trump
In the post, Trump said he was “directing the Department of Justice to take all necessary action” to assist in Peters’ release, though the DOJ has no jurisdiction over a state-level conviction. The former president likened Peters’ treatment to political persecution, referencing broader accusations against Democrats and linking her case to immigration and national security concerns.
The Colorado Attorney General’s Office did not immediately respond to the statement. The office has previously maintained that criminal charges against Peters were the result of lawful investigations and due process.
Peters was convicted for her role in breaching secure election equipment and leaking sensitive data, which later appeared in conspiracy theory media. Prosecutors argued that her actions compromised election integrity and violated state law.
Legal experts have noted that despite claims from her defenders, Peters received due process under Colorado law and was convicted by a jury of her peers.