President Donald Trump has declared that he will fully pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, the reality TV stars who garnered fame from their show, Chrisley Knows Best, which aired on the USA Network from 2014 until 2023. The couple has spent over two years in prison after being convicted of serious charges, including tax evasion and bank fraud, a situation that has stirred significant public interest and debate.
Todd and Julie Chrisley became household names by showcasing their extravagant lifestyle and family dynamics on their reality show, which focused on their lives in Atlanta and later in Nashville, Tennessee. Despite portraying themselves as successful real estate tycoons and self-made multimillionaires, they faced serious legal troubles when prosecutors accused them of financing their luxurious lifestyle through deceptive practices.
Prosecutors claimed that the Chrisleys conspired to defraud multiple community banks in the Atlanta area, obtaining over $36 million in personal loans. These funds were allegedly used for lavish purchases, including luxury cars, designer clothes, real estate, and extravagant travel. Additionally, the Chrisleys were accused of failing to pay federal income taxes for the years 2013 through 2016.
In 2022, Todd was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, while Julie received a 7-year sentence following their conviction on charges of bank and tax fraud. U.S. Attorney Ryan Buchanan remarked on the severity of their actions, noting that the duo had defrauded banks and deliberately evaded tax payments over a decade. Their lengthy prison sentences reflected the substantial scale of their criminal activities.
Despite their convictions, the Chrisleys have consistently maintained their innocence, asserting that they were unfairly targeted due to their conservative beliefs. Their eldest daughter, Savannah Chrisley, has become a vocal advocate for her parents, characterizing them as victims of a biased justice system.
In a notable appearance at the Republican National Convention in July, Savannah criticized the criminal justice system and advocated for her parents, emphasizing their perceived victimization. After Trump took office, she mentioned to People magazine that she was actively pursuing a pardon for her parents, even having lunch at the White House earlier this year. Her efforts appear to have culminated in the recent pardon announcement.
On Tuesday, a video was shared by White House special assistant Margo Martin, depicting Trump calling Savannah from the Oval Office to deliver the news of her parents' pardons. During the call, Trump expressed his hope that the pardons could be finalized quickly, extending his regards to the Chrisleys and wishing them well.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields conveyed that the Chrisleys' sentences were excessively harsh, reiterating Trump's commitment to granting second chances to individuals who have been unfairly prosecuted. Fields emphasized the President's desire to assist those who have faced injustice within the legal system.
The law firm representing the Chrisleys, Litson PLLC, released a statement asserting that their prosecution was marred by constitutional violations and political bias. They commended Todd and Julie for their commendable conduct while incarcerated, highlighting Julie's acquisition of numerous educational certificates and Todd's advocacy for improved prison conditions. Attorney Alex Little stated that the pardon rectifies a significant injustice, restoring two devoted parents to their family and community.
Savannah expressed her gratitude towards Trump in a series of emotional social media posts, sharing her excitement about her parents returning home. She described the preparations being made for their arrival, stating, "I am eternally grateful... My parents get to start their lives over."
The Chrisleys faced serious legal challenges starting in 2019 when a federal grand jury indicted them on 12 counts, including bank and wire fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy. Their accountant, Peter Tarantino, was also convicted of conspiracy to defraud the United States. The couple began serving their sentences in January 2023 and have been appealing their convictions ever since.
In September 2023, their sentences were reduced for good behavior—Todd's by two years and Julie's by 14 months. While an appeals court upheld their convictions in 2024, Julie's case was sent back to a lower court due to a calculation error, which ultimately confirmed her original sentence.
Despite the tumultuous circumstances, both Chrisley Knows Best and its spinoff, Growing Up Chrisley, were canceled following the couple's convictions. However, just days before their pardon, Lifetime announced plans to bring the famous family back to screens in an upcoming docuseries tentatively titled The Untitled Chrisleys Project. This series will document the family as they navigate life with their parents in prison, highlighting their efforts to maintain the Chrisley legacy amid challenging circumstances.
Trump's pardon of the Chrisleys follows a trend of granting clemency to high-profile supporters during his second term, including individuals involved in the January 6 riots and other controversial figures. Notably, he previously pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted of corruption, and former Tennessee state Senator Brian Kelsey, who faced sentencing for an illegal campaign finance scheme.
As the Chrisleys prepare for their new chapter post-pardon, their journey serves as a focal point in ongoing discussions about justice, fairness, and the influence of political beliefs in legal proceedings.
