By Charles Switzer
2:52pm PST, Feb 6, 2025
Joe Exotic Pleads for Presidential Clemency
Joe Exotic, born Joseph Maldonado, has formally requested a pardon from President
Donald Trump, claiming he has been unjustly imprisoned for seven years.
The incarcerated
Tiger King star describes himself as a "political prisoner" and argues that his conviction was orchestrated by corrupt FBI agents, wildlife officials and federal prosecutors.
Comparing his legal troubles to Trump's own, he insists that the Department of Justice was "weaponized" against him to push the Big Cat Safety Act of 2022.
Here are five more of his pleas to Trump.
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Claims of a Rigged Trial and Solitary Confinement
In his letter, Exotic asserts that he was denied a fair trial and was kept in
solitary confinement for two years, preventing him from mounting a defense. He accuses prosecutors of adding 22 charges against him only after he insisted on his constitutional right to a trial. He further claims that key witnesses were paid to perjure themselves and that the government ignored evidence proving his innocence.
Allegations Against Carole Baskin and the Big Cat Safety Act
Exotic alleges that his prosecution was politically motivated to benefit animal rights activist
Carole Baskin and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).
He argues that the real motivation was financial — allowing sanctuaries to profit from his tigers while destroying his reputation.
He condemns Baskin's treatment of the animals, claiming his former zoo was worth millions but was sold for a mere $140,000 dollars with a clause prohibiting it from ever being a zoo again.
His Legacy of Charity and Conservation Work
Exotic attempts to portray himself as a man of compassion, highlighting his past charity work, including hosting free holiday meals at his zoo, organizing massive Easter egg hunts for underprivileged children, raising funds for conservation efforts in Africa and supporting children's hospitals.
He argues that none of these positive contributions were shown in Tiger King and insists that his imprisonment has nothing to do with animal welfare.
A Final Plea for Freedom and Future Plans
In a last effort to win Trump's support, Exotic offers a compromise — he does not ask for a full pardon but instead requests a commutation to time served with no probation. He pledges to dedicate his life to conservation efforts and advocacy for justice reform, promising to testify before Congress about corruption in the federal prison system.
He also lists high-profile supporters, including
Matt Gaetz, Joe Rogan, Dana White, Laura Loomer and even
Cardi B, in an effort to strengthen his appeal.
A Valentine's Day or Birthday Wish
Closing his plea, Exotic asks Trump to grant his freedom as a Valentine's Day gift or in time for his birthday in March 2025. He expresses confidence that, if released, he will make Trump and America "proud" by continuing his work in conservation and charity.
He insists that his conviction was a politically motivated sham and that his freedom would be a victory for justice.
Not everyone was buying it though, with one commenter sharing on X, "All this guy does is begs for this and that. Didn't he also beg
Biden for release? What a weasel."
