Trump calls for release of Tina Peters, calling her 9-year prison term a ‘death sentence’

Donald Trump doubled down on his demand to free 73-year-old Tina Peters
PUBLISHED MAR 19, 2026
Donald Trump called the nine-year prison sentence of Tina Peters unjust (AP Photo, Getty Images)
Donald Trump called the nine-year prison sentence of Tina Peters unjust (AP Photo, Getty Images)

WASHINTON, DC: President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of Colorado authorities on Wednesday, March 18, calling for the immediate release of Tina Peters, a former election official convicted of tampering with voting equipment.

On Truth Social, Trump urged officials to “free Tina Peters,” describing her prison sentence as unjust and politically motivated. His comments come amid ongoing debate over the 2020 presidential election and its aftermath.



Trump calls out Tina Peters' 9-year ‘death sentence’

Trump did not hold back in his statement, portraying Peters as a victim of political targeting. He highlighted her age and health condition while criticizing Colorado’s leadership.

“Free Tina Peters, a 73-year-old woman, with cancer, given a nine-year death sentence in a Colorado prison by Democrat Governor, Jared Polis and a corrupt political machine, for exposing fraud by the Democrats during the 2020 presidential election,” Trump wrote.

President Donald Trump speaks during a shamrock presentation event with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the East Room of the White House, on St. Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump speaks during a shamrock presentation event with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in the East Room of the White House, on St Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

“Again, free Tina,” he ended the message.

The President’s comments were posted in all caps on his platform, reflecting the urgency and intensity of his stance.

However, even as he amplified his claims, the case stems from legal proceedings tied to election security concerns following the 2020 vote.

Tina Peters conviction tied to voting equipment tampering

Peters was found guilty of tampering with voting equipment in Mesa County after the 2020 presidential election. The case drew national attention as it intersected with claims questioning the integrity of the election.

SEDALIA, CO - JUNE 28: Mesa County Clerk and Colorado Republican candidate for secretary of state Tina Peters reacts to early election returns during a primary night watch party at the Wide Open Saloon on June 28, 2022 in Sedalia, Colorado. Peters lost to former Jefferson County Clerk Pam Anderson, who will move on to face Democratic incumbent Jena Griswold. (Photo by Marc Piscotty/Getty Images)
Mesa County Clerk and Colorado Republican candidate for secretary of state Tina Peters reacts to early election returns during a primary night watch party at the Wide Open Saloon on June 28, 2022 in Sedalia, Colorado (Getty Images)

Trump has consistently maintained that the 2020 election was stolen, a claim he referenced again in his statement defending Peters’ actions. According to him, her actions were related to exposing alleged fraud during the election process.

However, the conviction marked a significant legal outcome in efforts by authorities to address alleged interference with election systems. Peters’ case became one of the more high-profile examples associated with post-election controversies.

Trump targets Colorado leadership and political system

In his message, Trump directly criticized Colorado Governor Jared Polis, accusing him and what he described as a “corrupt political machine” of orchestrating the situation against Peters.

DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 30: Governor of Colorado Jared Polis speaks at the opening day of Fan Expo at the Colorado Convention Center on June 30, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Thomas Cooper/Getty Images)
Governor of Colorado Jared Polis speaks at the opening day of Fan Expo at the Colorado Convention Center on June 30, 2023 in Denver, Colorado (Thomas Cooper/Getty Images)

His remarks presented the case not only as a legal issue but also as part of a broader political conflict.

By connecting Peters’ conviction to claims of election fraud, Trump again placed the case within his ongoing narrative about the 2020 election.

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