President Donald Trump recently announced on social media that he pardoned Tina Peters, a former Mesa County Clerk. This claim, however, seems to exist only in the world of online posts.
On Truth Social, Trump asserted that Peters, a “Patriot” in his eyes, was imprisoned for trying to ensure fair elections. He insisted she’s suffering because she wanted to expose voter fraud from the 2020 presidential election. But most reviews indicate that the 2020 election was conducted fairly, with only minor issues that wouldn’t have changed the results.
Peters faced serious charges after a jury found that she helped an unauthorized individual access voting equipment and records after the election, trying to back up claims that it was rigged. She couldn’t provide credible evidence and was convicted of four felonies, leading to an eight-year prison sentence.
While Peters has gained supporters, it’s important to note that Trump’s presidential pardon power typically only applies to federal cases. Because Peters was convicted in a state court, her fate lies with Colorado’s Governor Jared Polis, not Trump.
Peters’ attorney, Peter Ticktin, recently reached out to Trump for a pardon, arguing that the president has the power to grant pardons for offenses against both the federal and state governments. This idea is relatively novel and may not have been fully tested in court.
As of late Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice had not listed any pardon for Peters on its website, which usually reflects such announcements promptly. This lack of formal document raised eyebrows about the legitimacy of Trump’s claim. Politicians reacted quickly, with Gov. Polis emphasizing that no president can override state laws. Secretary of State Jena Griswold went even further, stating that Trump lacks the constitutional authority to issue a pardon for Peters.
The conversation surrounding Peters reveals broader tensions in American politics regarding election integrity and state rights. Social media reactions have varied, with many backing Trump as a champion of election integrity, while others view his statements as undermining the judicial process. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, nearly 60% of Americans believe that claims of widespread voter fraud are exaggerated.
In this tense climate, the fate of Tina Peters and similar cases continues to stir debate about the balance of power between state and federal authorities and the implications for democracy.
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