A President's Limited Power: The Symbolic Gesture for a Convicted Clerk

Headlines Grabbed, but Little Real Impact

In a move that grabbed headlines but had little real impact, former President Trump declared he would pardon Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk. She was found guilty of meddling with voting equipment after the 2020 election. However, this pardon is mostly for show because Trump can't pardon someone convicted of a state crime.

Peters' Conviction and Sentence

Peters, who used to be the clerk of Mesa County, was given a nine-year prison sentence. She was found guilty of tampering with voting machines in an unsuccessful attempt to back up false claims that the 2020 election was rigged against Trump. This is not the first time Trump has tried to overturn the results of the 2020 election. He has been on a mission to settle old scores related to his efforts to overturn the election results.

Trump's Clemency Powers

On the first day of his second term, Trump granted clemency to nearly all 1,600 people charged in connection with the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. However, Trump's power to pardon does not extend to state crimes. This means he cannot pardon himself for the 34 felony convictions he received in a New York trial last year. Since Peters was convicted of a state offense, Trump's announcement was mostly symbolic.

Colorado Secretary of State's Response

Jena Griswold, the Colorado secretary of state, pointed out that Trump has no constitutional authority to pardon Peters. She stated that Trump's actions are not just an assault on democracy but also on states' rights and the American constitution. While Trump's declaration had little practical effect for Peters, it served as a reminder that he has used his legal powers to reward and protect his allies.

Trump's Justice Department and Norms

This move also highlights how Trump's Justice Department has broken traditional norms of independence by following his orders to pursue criminal cases against his perceived enemies. It's important to note that while Trump's actions may seem powerful, they are often limited by the law and the constitution.