Big, Beautiful Bill to Fund Tigers as Gifts for Joe Exotic’s Pardon Homecoming

President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to grant a full pardon to Joseph Maldonado-Passage, better known as Joe Exotic, the former zookeeper and star of Netflix’s Tiger King.

Sources close to the White House claim the president is also considering a unique gesture: allocating funds from his Big, Beautiful Bill to purchase two tigers as a homecoming gift for Exotic.

Exotic, currently serving a 21-year sentence for a murder-for-hire plot against rival Carole Baskin and multiple counts of animal cruelty, has repeatedly pleaded for a presidential pardon.

His case gained renewed attention after Trump pardoned reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, prompting Exotic to publicly express frustration over being overlooked.

The White House, however, appears to be taking a bold step to address his grievances.

“Joe’s a character, a real American original,” a source quoted Trump as saying. “He’s been through enough, and those tigers will remind everyone he’s back in business.”

The decision to include tigers in the pardon package has raised eyebrows. The Big, Beautiful Bill, intended to fund infrastructure projects like roads and bridges, is an unconventional source for such an expenditure.

“This is about second chances and making a statement,” said a White House aide, who requested anonymity. “The president sees Joe as a symbol of resilience.”

Animal rights groups have expressed concern over the plan to gift tigers to Exotic, citing his past convictions for animal abuse. The Humane Society issued a statement warning that returning exotic animals to Exotic’s care could jeopardize their welfare.

“Those animals will be treated like royalty,” said a Trump advisor. “Joe knows how to put on a show, and that’s what America needs right now.”

Exotic’s legal team has reportedly welcomed the news, though they remain cautious until the pardon is formalized. The former zookeeper, who has maintained his innocence and claimed perjury tainted his trial, recently used social media to appeal directly to Trump.

“The president understands loyalty and showmanship,” said Exotic’s attorney, John Phillips. “This pardon, plus the tigers, is a chance for Joe to rebuild his legacy.”

Posts on X reflect a divide, with one user writing, “Free Joe and give him his tigers! This is the America I signed up for,” while another remarked, “Using taxpayer money for this is a new low.”

The White House has not confirmed the exact cost of the tigers or the timeline for Exotic’s potential release.

As the nation awaits further details, the prospect of Joe Exotic returning to the public eye with two tigers in tow has reignited interest in the Tiger King saga.

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