Washington, D.C. – Trump pardons reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley after their convictions for fraud and tax evasion. The couple, known for their show Chrisley Knows Best, had been sentenced to prison for stealing over $36 million through fake loans and hiding income from the IRS.
Trump announced the pardon on May 27, 2025. He said the couple received unfair treatment and claimed the justice system was politically motivated in their case.
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Trump pardons reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley and informs their family
A video showed Trump informing Savannah Chrisley, the couple’s daughter, about the pardon. He told her the process to free her parents was underway and hoped it would finish soon. Savannah thanked Trump for pardoning reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley.
Trump Delivers the News to Their Daughter
Shortly after the announcement, a video of Trump speaking with Savannah Chrisley, their daughter, circulated on social media. During the call, Trump said he hoped her parents would be released by the next day.
The former president told Savannah he didn’t personally know her parents but wished them a good life. She responded with gratitude, thanking him for the decision.
Fraud Behind the Fame
Although the Chrisleys presented themselves as successful real estate moguls on television, prosecutors revealed a very different story. According to court records, the couple submitted fake documents to secure loans from multiple banks. They used the money to fund a lavish lifestyle, purchasing luxury cars, clothing, and real estate.
Eventually, they applied for new loans just to pay off old ones. In addition, they moved income into accounts held by other family members to hide it from the IRS.
Todd was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, while Julie received a 7-year sentence. However, a federal appeals court later ruled that Julie’s sentence should be reviewed. The court found no clear evidence linking her to the earliest phase of the scheme.
Legal and Political Strategy
Their attorney, Alex Little, led a campaign for clemency. He argued that the couple’s case symbolized how the justice system is sometimes used to punish public conservatives. In his request, he also pointed to connections between the prosecutors and Fani Willis, the Georgia official who indicted Trump in 2023.
Meanwhile, Savannah Chrisley has remained vocal. At the 2024 Republican National Convention, she claimed her family was punished for their fame and political views.
A Familiar Pattern in Trump’s Pardons
This decision reflects a broader pattern in Trump’s use of presidential clemency. He has previously pardoned close allies and high-profile supporters, including Roger Stone and Michael Flynn.
As a result, critics argue that Trump is undermining public trust in the justice system. Supporters, on the other hand, believe he is correcting injustices fueled by political bias.
Ultimately, the pardon of the Chrisleys will likely continue to spark national debate over the role of politics in law enforcement.
