What to Know
As Kristi Noem has testified before the Senate this week about ICE and the deaths and harm that have come to people (including American citizens) because of the task force, a familiar face popped up in the background of her hearing. Some eagle-eyed critics pointed out that the mugshot for Josh Duggar was featured on a board that was on display in the room, as a little brag from the Homeland Security Investigations department that they were able to convict him in 2021.
Those who tuned into the hearing may have seen Josh’s mug shot.
Josh was spotted on a photo board behind Republican senator Katie Britt, who introduced it as a display of the “most notorious and high profile criminals in recent years.”
He was surrounded by fellow heavy hitters like Sean “Diddy” Combs, El Chapo, and R. Kelly.
“What do all the criminals have in common?” Katie asked the Senate. “They all have been brought to justice with the help of ICE and HSI.”
Critics are loving every minute of it.
Users on a popular Duggar snark subreddit couldn’t help but point out Josh’s cameo from the hearing, which seems extra ironic considering just how much his family (including his wife, Anna) has supported president Donald Trump and his administration since the first time he ran for president in 2016. Now, the board makes it look like his administration is trying to take all of the credit.
“He wasn’t even arrested under Trump,” one commenter pointed out (which is true; Joe Biden was president when Josh was convicted in 2021). “Love the public shaming for him though.”
Another person added, “Oh my god this is honestly so amazing. I hope Anna ‘it’s Biden’s fault’ Duggar sees this.”
Josh hasn’t had much luck when it comes to getting out of prison early.
While there have been rumors that Josh was planning to ask Trump (or had asked him already) for a pardon, it was never confirmed, and after seeing his photo up on that board, it doesn’t seem likely that one could be in his future now.
Josh has filed appeals through the courts, but he’s been denied them every time so far, so it seems like he’s running out of options if he wants to get out any earlier than his scheduled release date, which is currently set for October 2032. Even his request for a court-appointed lawyer to defend him last year was denied.
