President Donald Trump said Tuesday, May 27, that he plans to pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, the reality television couple convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. The announcement came during a phone call from the Oval Office with the couple’s children, Savannah and Chase Chrisley, posted to social media by a White House aide.
“It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean,” Trump said. “We’ll try getting it done tomorrow.”
What led to the conviction of the Chrisleys?
Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the USA Network series “Chrisley Knows Best,” were convicted in 2022 of defrauding banks in Georgia out of at least $36 million through false loan applications and of evading federal taxes. They were also found guilty of evading federal taxes by concealing income through shell companies.
The judge initially sentenced Todd to 12 years in prison and Julie to 7 years in prison. However, both sentences were later reduced under a federal prison reform program.
Prosecutors alleged the Chrisleys used the funds to finance a lavish lifestyle and failed to pay income taxes while hiding money in shell companies. Following their conviction, Savannah Chrisley launched a public campaign for clemency and has advocated for criminal justice reform.
What did Trump say about the pardon?
Speaking directly to Savannah and Chase Chrisley, Trump said he’d been told their parents were “terrific people” and criticized what he called “pretty harsh treatment.” Standing behind the president during the call was Alice Marie Johnson, who Trump appointed earlier this year as his official pardon advisor.
“Alice had a lot to do with this,” Trump said.
What has the family said?
Savannah Chrisley expressed gratitude after receiving the call, saying she was walking into a Sam’s Club when she got the news. “So, both of my parents are coming home tonight or tomorrow,” she said in an Instagram video. “I still don’t believe it’s real.”
The Chrisleys’ attorney, Alex Little, applauded the decision, calling it a correction of “deep injustice.” “Thanks to President Trump, the Chrisley family can now begin healing and rebuilding their lives,” arguing that the prosecution has been politically motivated.
