Trump Announces Pardons for Reality TV Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley
Washington, D.C. – May 28, 2025
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he will grant full pardons to Todd and Julie Chrisley, the reality TV stars known for their show Chrisley Knows Best. The couple, convicted in 2022 of defrauding Atlanta-area banks out of over $36 million and evading taxes, faced 12 and seven-year prison sentences, respectively. The pardons, expected to be signed as early as Wednesday, will nullify their convictions and eliminate remaining prison time and financial penalties, allowing them to return to their family and community.
The Chrisleys, whose USA Network series chronicled their extravagant lifestyle and tight-knit Southern family, were found guilty of submitting false bank statements, audit reports, and financial documents to secure fraudulent loans, which they spent on luxury cars, designer clothes, real estate, and travel. Prosecutors also noted that Todd Chrisley declared bankruptcy to avoid repaying over $20 million in loans, while the couple hid earnings from their TV show to evade taxes. Julie Chrisley faced additional charges of wire fraud and obstruction of justice. Their sentences were later reduced, but they remained incarcerated until this announcement.
In a video posted on X by White House aide Margo Martin, Trump is seen calling the Chrisleys’ daughter, Savannah, from the Oval Office to share the news. “Your parents are going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow,” Trump said, adding, “They were given pretty harsh treatment.” Savannah, a vocal advocate for her parents’ release, expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much, Mr. President,” while her brother Chase added, “I just want to say thank you for bringing my parents back.” Savannah, who spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention and appeared on Fox News’ My View with Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump, has long claimed her parents were unfairly targeted due to their conservative values and high profile, even alleging prosecutors called them the “Trumps of the South.”
The Chrisleys’ attorney, Alex Little, praised the pardon, stating, “This corrects a deep injustice and restores two devoted parents to their family. President Trump recognized what we’ve argued from the beginning: Todd and Julie were targeted because of their conservative values and high profile. Their prosecution was tainted by multiple constitutional violations and political bias.” However, the decision has sparked controversy. Critics, including Lance Wilson of the Anti Police-Terror Project, posted on X, “The Chrisleys defrauded banks out of $36 million—and they’re walking away after serving just a fraction of their time. Meanwhile, there are Black folks serving life for stealing a pack of gum. That’s not justice. That’s white privilege.”
The pardons align with Trump’s recent pattern of granting clemency to high-profile figures, including Jan. 6 rioters and a Virginia sheriff convicted of bribery. Supporters argue the Chrisleys’ case reflects an overzealous justice system, while detractors see it as favoritism toward wealthy, connected individuals. Savannah Chrisley, who has taken custody of her younger siblings and plans to pick up her parents as early as Tuesday night, called the pardon a “miracle,” vowing to continue advocating for prison reform. “Thank God for a president who wants to restore families,” she said.
For the Chrisleys, the pardon marks a new chapter after years of legal battles and public scrutiny. Their family, now set to reunite, plans to focus on healing and rebuilding, with a new reality series in development to document their journey post-incarceration.
