Trump Pardons Chrisley Knows Best Stars A Shocking Twist!

Trump Grants Full Pardon to Reality TV Couple Todd and Julie Chrisley

Former President Donald Trump has issued a full pardon to Todd and Julie Chrisley, the reality TV stars known for their show "Chrisley Knows Best," who were convicted of bank and tax fraud. The pardon comes after more than two years of imprisonment for the couple, who were sentenced to 12 and 7 years, respectively, in 2022.

The news was delivered by Trump himself in a phone call to their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, from the Oval Office. A video of the call, tweeted by White House special assistant Margo Martin, shows a visibly moved Savannah receiving the life-altering news. Trump expressed his hope for a swift release and wished the couple well, stating the sentences were "a terrible thing."

The Chrisleys' Conviction and Subsequent Appeal

The couple's legal troubles began in 2019 when a federal grand jury indicted them on 12 counts of bank and wire fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy. Prosecutors alleged that the Chrisleys defrauded community banks of over $36 million, using the funds for luxury items and paying off previous fraudulent loans. They were also accused of failing to pay taxes for several years.

Throughout the legal process, the Chrisleys maintained their innocence, claiming they were unfairly targeted due to their conservative beliefs. Their daughter, Savannah, a vocal critic of the justice system, actively campaigned for their pardon. She even spoke at the Republican National Convention, characterizing her parents as victims of political persecution.

Despite an appeals court upholding their convictions in 2024 (with a minor correction to Julie's sentence due to a calculation error), the couple's sentences were reduced for good behavior in September 2023. Their legal team, Litson PLLC, consistently argued that the prosecution was tainted by constitutional violations and political bias, highlighting the couple's exemplary conduct during their imprisonment.

The White House's Rationale and Public Reaction

The White House spokesperson, Harrison Fields, stated that the Chrisleys' sentences were "far too harsh," emphasizing the President's commitment to giving "well-deserving Americans a second chance, especially those who have been unfairly targeted and overly prosecuted." Attorney Alex Little of Litson PLLC echoed this sentiment, describing the pardon as correcting "a deep injustice."

Savannah Chrisley expressed overwhelming gratitude to President Trump, sharing her joy and relief on social media. She described the immediate plans to welcome her parents home, highlighting the emotional impact of the pardon on the entire family.

A Pattern of High-Profile Pardons

This pardon is part of a series of high-profile pardons issued by President Trump, including:

• Hundreds of January 6th rioters
• Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich
• Former Tennessee state Senator Brian Kelsey
• Former Las Vegas city councilwoman Michele Fiore
• Former Virginia sheriff Scott Jenkins

Looking Ahead

With the Chrisleys' pardon, their future remains uncertain, yet hopeful. Their reality show, "Chrisley Knows Best," was canceled following their convictions, but Lifetime has announced a new docuseries, tentatively titled "The Untitled Chrisleys Project," that will chronicle the family's journey following their parents' release. This development suggests a continued interest in their story and a possible path towards rebuilding their lives and careers. The pardon undoubtedly brings closure and a fresh start for the Chrisley family, while sparking further conversation about presidential pardons and the complexities of the justice system.

Tags: Trump Pardon, Chrisley Pardon, Reality TV Stars, Tax Evasion, Bank Fraud, Chrisley Knows Best, Financial Fraud, USA Network, Reality TV Couple, Presidential Pardon, Political Pardons, Justice System, Celebrity Pardons, White House Pardon

Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/28/nx-s1-5414091/todd-julie-chrisley-pardon-trump