President Donald Trump announced a surprise pardon Thursday evening for Tina Peters, a former Mesa County, Colorado, clerk, via Truth Social.

"For years, the Democrats have been ignoring all forms of violent and vicious crime, of every shape, size, color, and type. They have allowed violent criminals to return to the streets to attack again. The Democrats have also been willing to welcome the worst of the worst from other countries, and allow them to exploit the American taxpayer. The only crime the Democrats seem to care about is not voting for them! Instead of protecting Americans and their taxes, the Democrats have chosen to find and prosecute those who wanted to have safe and fair elections. The Democrats have relentlessly targeted patriot Tina Peters, who simply wanted a fair and honest election. Tina has been locked away in a Colorado prison for the 'crime' of demanding honest elections. Today, I am granting a Full Pardon to Tina for her attempts to expose voter fraud in the rigged 2020 Presidential Election!"

Peters had garnered national attention as one of the first individuals to be indicted for challenging the results of the 2020 presidential election and presenting evidence, and a campaign for her release had been ongoing since Trump's potential return to office.

Recently, there were revelations that Peters had been assaulted while incarcerated, and petitions argued for her parole due to her mother's critical condition.

President Trump had previously threatened retaliation against Colorado if Peters was not released.

Hours before Trump's post, Peters' attorney, Peter Tiktin, released a letter to Trump on Sunday, formally requesting a pardon for his client.

However, the public announcement of this pardon action is causing controversy, as President Trump, despite being a federal president, does not have judicial authority over state-level cases.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, stated in a release, "No president has the jurisdiction over state laws or the power to pardon someone convicted of violating state law. This is a matter that the courts have decided, and we will abide by the court's orders."

The Associated Press reported that Peters still has separate convictions and sentences remaining outside of the pardon scope, meaning her actual release may depend on further proceedings.

According to Axios, the Department of Justice stated in March that they would assist her in filing a federal lawsuit.

If the lawsuit is accepted in federal court, Trump's pardon is likely to take effect.

By NNP Chief Reporter Hong Sung-goo / Special Correspondent for this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com