Joseph Maldonado, a former zoo proprietor and reality TV personality frequently referred to as ‘Tiger King’ Joe Exotic, declared his candidacy for the presidency of the United States as a Democrat in 2024.
In March, Maldonado, who is presently serving a federal prison sentence of 21 years, made his announcement. He stated his imprisonment would not prevent him from competing for the nation’s highest office.
IN OTHER NEWS — Joseph Maldonado, perhaps better known to "Tiger King" viewers as Joe Exotic, announced his presidential bid last month. https://t.co/k9VRds16L3
— KREX 5/Fox 4 (@KREX5_Fox4) April 12, 2023
Not His First Political Bid
This is not Maldonado’s first time running for the presidency.
In 2016, he campaigned as an independent applicant, and in 2018, he ran as a Libertarian for Governor of Oklahoma. Now, he has filed his candidacy for president in 2024 with the Democratic Party.
Maldonado shared his campaign’s message on Twitter, stating he is joining the Democrats to fight like heck for every American child. Endless laws and the possibility of violence will not damage their future. It is time for a revolution and he is at the forefront!
Im joining the Democrats to fight like hell for every child in America. It's time for a goddamn revolution, and I'm leading the charge! #joeexotic #democrat @joebiden #presidential #revolution #fixthisshit #tigerking… pic.twitter.com/fR8uPbZfSV
— Joe Exotic (@joe_exotic) April 11, 2023
Maldonado’s campaign states he supports “responsible gun regulation,” reproductive liberty, psychological wellness reform, and reforming the criminal justice system.
Joe Exotic’s campaign indicated he is unrelenting in his pursuit of accountability, seeking to expose deep-seated wrongdoing within the Department of Justice and vehemently advocating for wrongfully imprisoned innocent Americans.
Prison Sentence
Maldonado received a sentence to prison on multiple counts, including his Endangered Species Act violations and a murder-for-hire conspiracy against Carole Baskin, his adversary.
His backers continue to trust in him and his message, despite his conviction and the considerable amount of time he has left behind bars.
It stands to be seen, given Maldonado’s criminal record, whether he will be permitted to run for president of the United States in the upcoming months.
Maldonado has made it evident that his prison sentence will not prevent him from competing for president and defending his beliefs.
This article appeared in NewsHouse and has been published here with permission.
