President Trump has announced that he will fully pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley. The couple has spent over two years in prison after being convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud. They rose to fame through their show "Chrisley Knows Best," which aired from 2014 to 2023, showcasing their affluent lifestyle and family dynamics in Atlanta and Nashville.
Despite portraying themselves as successful real estate moguls, the Chrisleys were found guilty of defrauding banks to secure more than $36 million in loans. They used this money to fund a lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars and designer clothing, while failing to pay taxes for several years. Todd was sentenced to 12 years, while Julie received a 7-year sentence after a jury found them guilty in 2022.
Both Todd and Julie have maintained their innocence, claiming they were unfairly targeted due to their conservative views. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, has been vocal about their situation, describing her parents as victims of political persecution. She even spoke at the Republican National Convention, advocating for their release.
Recently, Savannah shared that Trump called her from the Oval Office to inform her of the pardons. During the call, he expressed his hope that they could be freed soon, saying, “Your parents are going to be free and clean.” Savannah expressed her gratitude in a series of social media posts, sharing her excitement about her parents returning home.
The Chrisleys’ legal troubles began in 2019 when they were indicted on multiple counts related to fraud. After serving time in separate Florida prisons, their sentences were reduced for good behavior in 2023. Despite their conviction being upheld in 2024, the couple continued to appeal their sentences.
Their legal team has argued that the prosecution was marked by constitutional violations and political bias. They praised the couple for their good behavior in prison, highlighting Julie’s educational achievements and Todd’s advocacy for prison conditions.
The Chrisleys’ reality shows were canceled following their convictions, but just before the pardons, Lifetime announced a new docuseries featuring the family. This series will focus on their lives and the challenges they faced during the parents’ incarceration.
Trump’s decision to pardon the Chrisleys adds to a series of high-profile pardons during his second term, which includes several individuals connected to the January 6 Capitol riots and others involved in various legal controversies.