Todd and Julie Chrisley Pardoned by President Trump: What You Need to Know
Date: May 29, 2025
Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, known for their hit show Chrisley Knows Best, were pardoned by President Donald Trump on May 27, 2025, following their 2022 convictions for bank fraud and tax evasion. This high-profile decision has sparked widespread discussion, with fans, critics, and family members reacting to the couple’s release from prison. Here’s everything you need to know about the Chrisley pardon, their legal battles, and what’s next for the reality TV family.
Who Are Todd and Julie Chrisley?
Todd and Julie Chrisley rose to fame through their USA Network reality show Chrisley Knows Best, which aired from 2014 to 2023 and showcased their lavish lifestyle and tight-knit family. The couple, based in Nashville, Tennessee, became household names for their humorous family dynamics and opulent spending. However, their financial dealings came under scrutiny, leading to legal troubles that captivated the public.
The Chrisleys’ Legal Troubles: Bank Fraud and Tax Evasion
In 2019, Todd and Julie Chrisley were indicted on charges of bank fraud, tax evasion, wire fraud, and conspiracy. Prosecutors alleged the couple defrauded banks out of over $30 million in loans, using fraudulent documents to secure funds for luxury cars, designer clothes, and real estate. They were also accused of evading taxes for the years 2013 to 2016. In June 2022, a federal jury convicted them, sentencing Todd to 12 years and Julie to 7 years in prison. The couple began serving their sentences in January 2023, with Todd at FPC Pensacola in Florida and Julie at a facility in Lexington, Kentucky.
Trump’s Pardon: A Controversial Decision
On May 27, 2025, President Donald Trump announced his decision to grant full, unconditional pardons to Todd and Julie Chrisley, leading to their release from prison on May 28. Trump personally called the couple’s daughter, Savannah Chrisley, from the Oval Office to share the news, stating, “Your parents are going to be free and clean.” The pardon wiped their criminal records clean, sparking both celebration and criticism.
The Chrisleys’ attorney, Alex Little, hailed the pardon as correcting a “deep injustice,” claiming the couple was targeted due to their conservative values and high profile. However, critics, including some media outlets, argue the pardon reflects a pattern of Trump favoring high-profile associates, raising questions about the fairness of the justice system.
Family Reactions: Joy and Gratitude
The Chrisley family expressed overwhelming gratitude for the pardon. Savannah Chrisley, a vocal advocate for her parents’ release, described the news as “shock and awe,” thanking Trump for reuniting her family. Chase Chrisley, the couple’s son, shared a statement with the New York Post: “I am grateful to God and extremely grateful to President Trump and his entire administration. I’m beyond thankful to finally have my parents back home!” Other family members, including Kyle and Lindsie Chrisley, also celebrated the decision.
What’s Next for the Chrisleys?
Following their release, Todd and Julie Chrisley are reportedly returning to Nashville to rebuild their lives. Their attorney confirmed plans for a television comeback, leveraging their reality TV fame. Questions remain about whether the couple will recover millions paid in restitution, as the pardon raises legal complexities around their financial obligations. Fans are eager to see if Chrisley Knows Best will return or if the family will launch a new project to share their story of redemption.
Public and Media Reactions
The pardon has divided public opinion. Supporters, including Savannah Chrisley, who endorsed Trump at the Republican National Convention, view it as a victory against alleged political bias in the justice system. Critics, however, point to disparities, with some X users highlighting cases of less-connected individuals left behind in prison. One X post stated, “This officially shows the Justice system is still two-sided. You are either rich and connected or your poor and being trafficked by the system.”
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