Colorado governor fires back after Trump calls him a "sleazebag"

The big picture: The feud centers on the convicted former Mesa County clerk, whose case has become a touchstone of loyalty in Trumpworld — and a legal line the Democrat has so far refused to cross.

• The Trump administration has been pressuring Colorado to transfer Peters from state to federal custody, a move that would clear the way for Trump to pardon one of his most ardent supporters.
• The Polis administration, just days ago, made clear it won't comply.

Context: Presidents can't pardon state crimes. But moving Peters into the federal system could create a pathway for Trump to intervene.

What they're saying: Trump tore into Polis on Truth Social late Wednesday, branding the governor a "SLEAZEBAG" and a "lightweight" for refusing to release Peters, whom he claimed was "unfairly convicted" for election fraud — conduct he alleges in the post that Democrats engage in.

• Trump also accused the two-term governor of letting Colorado "go to hell."

In an online statement Thursday, Polis fired back:

• "We would all benefit if the President spent less time posting attacks and instead worked on ending tariffs and making Christmas more affordable for American families."

What we're watching: Trump has threatened "harsh measures" against Colorado if Peters isn't released.

• How far he's willing to go remains unclear.