President Donald Trump often clashes with Colorado because of its democratic governor, Jared Polis, its supermajority democratic General Assembly, and its blue-leaning voter base. This is a brief history of key moments in the tense relationship between the White House and Colorado.
Dec. 19, 2023: Colorado Supreme Court Disqualifies Trump from State Ballots
Citing Section 3 of Article 14 of the Constitution, which says that no government officials can engage in insurrection or rebellion against their own government, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump could not be on state ballots for the presidential election because of his role in the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol. Trump shot back, calling for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn what he called a “completely flawed decision.”
Oct. 11, 2024: Venezuelan Gang Threats in Aurora
A talking point throughout Trump’s campaign was Aurora, where he made unfounded claims that Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua had taken control of the Denver suburb. Many officials in Colorado, including Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman responded and struck down Trump’s statements.
March 23, 2025: Trump Assails Polis for State Capitol Portrait
After local artist Sarah Boardman painted Trump’s official portrait, the president attacked it for being “purposefully distorted.” In the Tweet demanding its removal, Trump also targeted Polis, calling him weak on crime. “Jared should be ashamed of himself!” Trump wrote.
July 2025: Trump DOJ Requests Colorado Voter Information
The Department of Justice requested Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, along with several other states, to turn over records of millions of voters, including ballots and voter registration records. Griswold says the event is meant to “undermine” state elections. It shows Trump’s extended focus on state election activities throughout his ongoing protests of the 2020 election.
Aug. 21, 2025: Trump Demands the Release of Tina Peters
Amid “Stop the Steal” chants from the entire MAGA movement in 2021, former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters played a role in a security breach of an election office, using a software worker’s identity to aid in the break-in. Trump called for her release from prison, a sentence Peters received in Oct. 2024, claiming there would be “harsh measures” if she wasn’t set free.
Sept. 2, 2025: Space Command is Moved from Colorado Springs
Recently, Trump ordered to move U.S. Space Command from Buckley Space Force Base to Huntsville, Alabama. He called out Colorado’s mail-in voting system as “corrupt” as a main reason he made the decision. Bipartisan outcry from Coloradan Republicans and Democrats alike, including Governor Jared Polis, spoke immediately against the decision.
