On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced plans to pardon reality television stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, known for the show "Chrisley Knows Best." The couple gained notoriety for their extravagant lifestyle, which prosecutors alleged was financed through bank fraud and tax evasion. In 2022, they were found guilty of conspiring to defraud banks in the Atlanta area out of over $30 million by submitting false loan applications and failing to report their earnings to tax authorities.
Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, while his wife, Julie Chrisley, received a seven-year sentence. In addition, they were ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution for their financial crimes. Their legal troubles began when they declared bankruptcy, leaving more than $20 million in unpaid loans, prompting prosecutors to take action against them for what they described as a deliberate effort to evade responsibility.
During a call with their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, Trump claimed, "Your parents are going to be free and clean," hinting that he hoped the pardons could be finalized soon. This statement was shared on social media by a White House aide, who proclaimed, "Trump Knows Best!" Trump later elaborated that the couple had received "pretty harsh treatment" based on the information he was receiving.
A White House official, who requested anonymity to discuss the matter, confirmed that the pardons for the Chrisleys would be forthcoming. This decision follows a trend where Trump has pardoned several high-profile allies, supporters, and individuals who have faced legal challenges. Just a day prior, Trump pardoned Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff sentenced to 10 years for fraud and bribery, describing his treatment by the Biden administration as unjust.
Additionally, Trump has taken steps to pardon Paul Walczak, a Florida healthcare executive imprisoned for tax-related offenses, and in April, he pardoned Nevada Republican Michele Fiore, who faced federal charges for misusing funds meant for a memorial statue. The pardon for the Chrisleys was characterized by their attorney, Alex Little, as a correction of "a deep injustice," asserting that their prosecutions were influenced by political biases and violations of their constitutional rights.
Little emphasized that Todd and Julie's case exemplified the necessity of presidential pardons, stating that they can now focus on healing and rebuilding their family life. The Chrisleys were accused of having engaged in a fraudulent scheme prior to their rise to reality TV fame, involving the submission of false financial documents to secure loans, which they allegedly used to maintain their lavish lifestyle.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the convictions last summer but noted a legal error in Julie Chrisley's sentencing, leading to a remand for resentencing on that aspect of her case. Savannah Chrisley has been vocal about her parents' situation, suggesting that their legal troubles were politically motivated, similar to the challenges her father, Trump, has faced.
Speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention, Savannah highlighted that they were targeted for their conservative beliefs, echoing sentiments expressed by Trump regarding the judicial system. She recounted a prosecutor's remark likening her parents to the "Trumps of the South," which she embraced as a point of pride.
