Trump pardons reality TV stars Todd, Julie Chrisley after daughter’s plea

 May 28, 2025

President Donald Trump has extended a presidential pardon to Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality television show Chrisley Knows Best, following their convictions for tax evasion and bank fraud.

The decision follows a vocal campaign by the Chrisleys' daughter, Savannah, and a belief that the couple had been treated unfairly by the legal system, as the Daily Mail reports, with Trump informing the family by telephone on Tuesday.

Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted in 2022 after they were accused of planning to defraud banks of $30 million and engaging in tax evasion. Todd was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment, while Julie received a seven-year sentence. These were later reduced but remained significant.

Chrisley family's public campaign

The Chrisleys and their supporters claimed they were unjustly targeted, leading to a public campaign emphasizing perceived injustices in the case. Savannah Chrisley took a central role in advocating for her parents' release.

Their campaign caught the attention of President Trump, who has a history of issuing pardons to high-profile figures. The family's discussions with Trump's circle gained momentum, and Savannah appeared in an interview aired by Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump.

During the interview, Savannah detailed what she considered legal shortcomings, noting violations committed by federal investigators.

She claimed breaches of the Fourth Amendment, improper conduct, and questionable behavior by IRS agents, shaking the integrity of the trial.

Reactions to Trump involvement pour in

The involvement escalated when President Trump connected directly with Savannah amid her efforts. She recounted the surprise and urgency she felt at his call, emphasizing his assurance of her parents' impending freedom.

President Trump reportedly promised Savannah that her parents would soon be "free and clean." He expressed his belief that Todd and Julie's sentencing was excessive and unfair.

Alex Little, the Chrisleys' attorney, argued that the couple had been targeted due to their conservative views and public persona.

He thanked President Trump for acknowledging their assertions of political bias and constitutional violations in the prosecution.

Legal irregularities alleged

A panel of three judges had identified a legal error related to Julie’s sentence, leading them to order a resentencing. This development prompted further inquiries into the trial's court's conduct.

The Chrisleys' attorney pointed out these irregularities, highlighting his belief that Trump used his pardon power to restore what he saw as justice. He viewed the case as an example of presidential pardons' purpose and necessity.

President Trump's statement during his interactions with the Chrisleys underlined his doubts about their portrayal as criminals. "You guys don't look like terrorists to me," he reportedly remarked.

Impact on Chrisley family unfolds

The pardoning of Todd and Julie marks a significant turning point for the Chrisley family, who are now set to begin rebuilding their lives. The ordeal, which included public scrutiny and legal battles, has been both challenging and transformative for them.

While Savannah acknowledged the difficulties faced, she also recognized the support and advocacy efforts as ultimately successful in influencing the presidential decision.

The pardon of the Chrisleys adds to President Trump's record of granting clemency to notable individuals and reflects his approach to contentious legal situations involving public figures.

As a result, the Chrisleys will now pivot towards the next chapter of their lives, aiming to recover and move forward from the ordeal that reshaped their family dynamics.

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