Joseph Maldonado–Passage, mostly known as Joe Exotic, might have an opportunity to get back his freedom if the convicted zoo operator receives a pardon from President Donald Trump. During a conference earlier this month, Trump was asked about his opinion on the potential release of Joe Exotic, who is currently behind bars for a 22-year sentence on charges of two counts of murder for hire and for abuse of endangered animals. Following his imprisonment, Maldonado-Passage publicly asked for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump on March 19 and shared a Facebook post, which stated that he wanted to sue the federal government for $94 million.