Is the 'Tiger King' about to roar his way out of prison? Joseph Maldonado, better known as Joe Exotic from Netflix’s wildly popular “Tiger King” series, is making yet another plea for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump to escape his 22-year sentence for a murder-for-hire plot.
Once a flamboyant zoo owner, Maldonado now sits behind bars, convicted in January 2020 of plotting against animal-rights activist Carole Baskin, and he’s hoping Trump will be the key to his cage door, The Hill reported.
Let’s rewind to the beginning of this saga. Maldonado first shot to fame with his eccentric persona on “Tiger King,” captivating millions worldwide with his big cats and bigger drama. But that fame turned to infamy when he was sentenced for his crimes.
Back in September 2020, during Trump’s first term, Maldonado penned a heartfelt letter to the White House, begging for a pardon. Trump’s response? A casual “take a look,” which flickered hope but ultimately led nowhere.
Undeterred, Maldonado tried again in 2021, this time under a different administration, but his request fell on deaf ears. Persistence is his middle name, it seems, though results remain elusive.
Fast forward to earlier this year, and the plot thickens with Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado throwing her support behind Maldonado’s cause. It’s a boost from a high-profile conservative voice, signaling that not everyone sees him as just a caged villain.
Most recently, just this week, Maldonado made another impassioned call for Trump to intervene, especially after an appeal for a new trial was shot down. He’s pulling out all the stops, citing support from Boebert and “millions of people around the world” to right what he sees as a wrong.
Speaking of wrongs, Maldonado didn’t hold back earlier this year when he slammed the current administration for granting blanket pardons to certain family members. “If I was a crack dealer, maybe if I broke in the capital or even have been related to the Bidens,” he quipped, suggesting favoritism in the system.
He’s not done venting yet. On Instagram on May 27, Maldonado posted, “This officially shows the Justice system is still two-sided,” pointing to what he perceives as a divide between the connected elite and everyone else. Well, Joe, turns out justice doesn’t always purr like one of your tigers.
Maldonado also took a swipe at Trump this spring after the former president pardoned reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley for tax evasion and fraud charges. The implication? If Trump can help other TV personalities, why not the 'Tiger King' himself?
His latest plea is laced with desperation and a call for fairness, urging Trump “to listen to the voices of Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert (Colo.) and other public figures” as well as his global fanbase. It’s a bold ask, banking on populist support over legal precedent.
From a conservative lens, Maldonado’s case raises questions about whether the justice system overreaches in punishing colorful characters while seemingly letting others off the hook. Without excusing his actions—plotting harm is no small matter—there’s a nagging sense that sentencing disparities need a hard look.
Let’s be clear: Maldonado’s conviction isn’t up for debate here; it’s the length and context of his punishment that stirs sympathy among some on the right. When progressive agendas push for leniency on certain crimes, shouldn’t the same scrutiny apply across the board?
For now, Joe Exotic remains caged, both literally and in the court of public opinion, waiting to see if Trump will wield the pardon pen. His story is a reminder that fame can’t outrun consequences, but it might just buy a second chance if the right ears are listening.
Whether Trump acts or not, Maldonado’s saga keeps us hooked—proof that truth is often stranger than any Netflix script. One thing’s for sure: the 'Tiger King' isn’t done fighting, and conservatives watching might just hope he gets a fair shake, not a free pass.
