Kent Hovind’s Plea to President Trump: A Cry for Exoneration and Justice

Kent Hovind, a well-known creationist and founder of Dinosaur Adventure Land, has recently made headlines by reaching out to President Trump in an open letter. In the letter, Hovind implores the President to investigate his 2006 criminal case, which he claims is a prime example of the Justice Department’s weaponization against political enemies. Hovind seeks total exoneration, punishment for those involved in his prosecution, the return of seized assets, and, failing all else, a presidential pardon. This plea comes as part of a broader narrative that Hovind has cultivated over the years: one of innocence, persecution, and a deep-seated belief that the federal government has unjustly targeted him for his conservative and religious beliefs.

The open letter, released on Hovind’s official Rumble channel, is part of a nearly 45-minute video that serves as both a personal appeal and a platform for Hovind to restate his grievances. After his standard introduction, Hovind delves into his plight, encouraging viewers to share the message widely among conservative and freedom-loving Americans. He also takes the opportunity to promote his Dinosaur Adventure Land theme park in Lenox, Alabama, and discuss the finer points of Noah’s Ark construction before addressing the main issue at hand. Hovind’s narrative is one of victimhood, where he portrays himself as a martyr for his faith and his creationist science work. He claims that his 2006 conviction on 58 counts of tax-related crimes and obstructing the administration of internal revenue laws was a direct result of government overreach and collusion.

The 2006 Conviction and Its Aftermath

In 2006, Kent Hovind was convicted on charges that included structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements, failing to pay withholding taxes, and obstructing the administration of internal revenue laws. He served over nine years in prison and forfeited significant assets. On appeal, the Eleventh Circuit upheld his conviction, a decision that Hovind argues was unjust and part of a larger conspiracy to silence him. Hovind believes that the IRS investigation into his ministry, which began in 2001, was motivated by his high-profile creationist work, particularly his video on "The Dangers of Evolution." He claims that atheists and evolutionists, unable to defeat him in scientific debates, resorted to labeling him a "tax protester" to discredit him.

Hovind is particularly adamant that he is not a "tax protester," a term he dismisses as a smear tactic used by his enemies. He argues that while he may have espoused certain views about taxes in the 1990s, he had long since moved away from those positions. Despite this, the label has stuck, and Hovind spending considerable time in the video addressing it. He even references an article from Forbes.com, "Is Kent Hovind A Tax Protester?" by Peter J. Reilly, which explores the nuances of the term and Hovind’s history with it. Hovind’s defense is straightforward: he paid every tax he owed and was unfairly targeted for his beliefs.

A Call for Justice and Restitution

Hovind’s letter to President Trump is not just a request for mercy; it is a demand for justice. He calls for a full investigation into his case, arguing that there is no statute of limitations on fraud and that the wrongs done to him and his ministry must be exposed. Specifically, Hovind wants Judge Margaret Casey Rodgers, who presided over his case, to be impeached or jailed for her alleged misconduct during sentencing. He claims that Rodgers stated during the trial that his crimes were "worse than rape," a remark that does not appear in the official transcript. Hovind views this as a serious injustice that needs to be investigated.

In addition to seeking accountability for those involved in his prosecution, Hovind is demanding restitution. He wants the assets seized from his ministry to be returned, damages paid, and his reputation restored. In a previous lawsuit, Hovind claimed damages exceeding $500 million, a figure that reflects the depth of his anger and sense of betrayal. For Hovind, this is not just about clearing his name; it is about exposing what he sees as a corrupt and oppressive system that has wronged him for decades.

Reactions to Hovind’s Plea

Hovind’s open letter has sparked a range of reactions, from support to skepticism. Some, like Rudy Davis, a long-time supporter of Hovind, view his case as part of a broader pattern of political persecution against conservatives. Davis, who has advocated for other figures he sees as political prisoners, believes that Hovind’s imprisonment was unjust and that his case deserves attention. Others, however, are more critical. Billy Summers, a YouTuber who has covered issues related to Dinosaur Adventure Land, accused Hovind of using his persecution narrative to solicit donations from unsuspecting supporters. Paul John Hansen, a former trustee of Hovind’s ministry and a codefendant in his 2015 trial, maintains that Hovind’s case is straightforward: he believes that there is no written law requiring Hovind or his ministry to collect taxes, and he is pursuing legal action to overturn the 2006 conviction.

Not everyone is sympathetic to Hovind’s cause. Claude Bawles, who runs a YouTube channel critical of Hovind, accuses him of lying about his trial and tax-related crimes. Bawles’ mission is to warn others about what he sees as Hovind’s manipulative tactics. These divergent perspectives highlight the polarizing nature of Hovind’s case and the strong emotions it evokes.

Reflections on Hovind’s Case and Its Significance

At its core, Hovind’s plea to President Trump is about more than just his own case; it is about the broader issue of perceived government overreach and the weaponization of the Justice Department against political and religious adversaries. Hovind sees himself as a symbol of resistance against a corrupt system, and his case has resonated with many in the conservative and creationist communities. Whether or not President Trump will take notice of Hovind’s letter remains to be seen, but the fact that Hovind feels emboldened to make such a direct appeal highlights his unwavering confidence in his own narrative and his belief in his importance as a figure in the broader cultural and political landscape.

For Hovind, this is not just about clearing his name or recovering his assets; it is about vindication. He believes that his work as a creationist and his ministry have made him a target for those who seek to silence him, and he is determined to fight for what he sees as his rightful place as a champion of truth and freedom. Whether one views Hovind as a persecuted hero or a convicted felon with a penchant for conspiracy theories, his case raises important questions about justice, accountability, and the intersection of faith and politics in America.