Trump Issues Controversial Pardon for Colorado Election Official, But Legal Barriers Remain
Trump totally pardoned former Colorado elections supervisor Tina Peters for election data misuse. After reporting 2020 presidential election crimes, Peters was sentenced to nine years in prison. Trump called the pardon a defense of “honest elections” and shamed Democrats for suing her.
Trump labeled Peters a “patriot” who was demonized for promoting election fairness online. He accused Democratic leaders of using government resources to pursue voting rights advocates and said her incarceration was for transparency.
Trump’s pardon doesn’t free Peters immediately. The President may only pardon federal offenses, not Colorado state crimes like Peters’, say experts. State officials observed that presidential authority does not apply to state convictions, making Trump’s pardon symbolic.
Peters was convicted by a jury and tried by a Republican district attorney, affirming state jurisdiction, said Governor Jared Polis. Despite limited executive pardons for state-level crimes, he said court verdicts are upheld.
Numerous Colorado legislators blasted the move. John Hickenlooper termed the pardon an attempt to hide fellow offenders, while Michael Bennet defended Peters’ conviction and claimed presidential participation could not change state law.
Peters let MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell’s third party tamper with a county election security card. Peters committed criminal impersonation and violated state laws after misrepresenting themselves.
The pardon illustrates Trump’s continued attention on accusations that the 2020 election was rigged, despite legal reviews, recounts, and audits in key battleground states confirming President Joe Biden’s victory. Courts and the Department of Justice found no major voter fraud that might have changed the election under Trump.
Pardon comes amid political debates over election integrity and presidential power in state-level cases. Some argue it maintains electoral openness, but others fear it circumvents state courts and threatens the rule of law.
Sources:
Governor of Colorado statement
Hickenlooper and Bennet’s remarks
Colorado Mesa County court records
Trump’s social media and public remarks
