President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social shared on X by the account @RapidResponse47, demanded the immediate release of Tina Peters, describing her as a “brave and innocent Patriot” who has been “tortured by Crooked Colorado politicians.” He accused state officials, including the governor supportive of mail-in ballots, of wrongdoing and claimed Peters did nothing wrong except “catching the Democrats cheat in the Election.” Trump emphasized her age and poor health, warning that if she is not freed “RIGHT NOW,” he would take “harsh measures!!!!” This statement, made on August 21, 2025, echoes his previous interventions in her case since returning to the presidency.

Tina Peters, the former Mesa County, Colorado, clerk, was convicted in August 2024 on multiple charges, including attempting to influence a public servant, criminal impersonation, official misconduct, violation of duty, and failing to comply with secretary of state requirements. The case stemmed from a 2021 security breach where she allowed unauthorized access to voting equipment by a person affiliated with MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a prominent election denier, in an effort to substantiate baseless claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. Prosecutors argued this compromised election security, while Peters and her supporters maintained she was exposing irregularities. She was sentenced to nine years in prison on October 3, 2024, with the judge criticizing her lack of remorse and describing her actions as a threat to democratic processes.

Since her incarceration, Peters’ case has drawn significant attention, particularly after Trump’s January 2025 inauguration. In March 2025, the Justice Department announced a review of her conviction at Trump’s behest, and by May, he reportedly ordered efforts to secure her release, viewing her as a victim of political persecution. However, as of August 2025, she remains in prison, with her legal team raising alarms about her deteriorating health and mental condition at age 69, including claims that jail conditions are endangering her life. Supporters, including Trump allies, rally for her pardon or exoneration, arguing she uncovered election vulnerabilities, while critics, including election security experts and Democrats, insist her crimes warranted the sentence and that interfering federally undermines state judicial independence.