President Donald Trump announced he had granted a pardon to former Colorado clerk Tina Peters, but the action is widely considered symbolic and legally unenforceable because Peters was convicted on state-level charges, which a U.S. President has no authority to pardon.
Key Facts
Conviction: Tina Peters, the former Mesa County Clerk, was convicted in August 2024 on seven state charges (including felony counts) related to a 2021 security breach of election equipment and criminal impersonation. She was sentenced to nine years in state prison in October 2024.
Trump’s Action: On December 11, 2025, Trump announced a “full pardon” for Peters via social media, and a formal pardon document was later posted to the Department of Justice’s list of clemency grants. He also directed the DOJ “to take all necessary action to help secure the release” of Peters, whom he called a “hostage”.
Legal Standing: Constitutional law experts and Colorado officials, including Governor Jared Polis (D) and Attorney General Phil Weiser (D), assert that a president’s pardon power applies only to federal crimes, not state crimes.
Colorado’s Response: Colorado officials have rejected the pardon, stating that the state maintains sovereignty over its own criminal justice system. Governor Polis has indicated he will not intervene and will “abide by court orders”.
Current Status: Peter’s remains incarcerated at a state prison in Colorado. Her lawyer is pursuing a strategy to use the federal pardon to compel her release, an argument they expect will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.