WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump is planning to pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, the stars of the reality show Chrisley Knows Best, as part of a growing list of controversial clemency decisions involving high-profile figures. The couple is currently serving prison sentences for bank fraud and tax evasion.

The Chrisleys became household names through their popular reality series, which spotlighted their close-knit family and extravagant lifestyle. But in 2022, they were convicted of defrauding banks in the Atlanta area out of more than $30 million by submitting false documents to secure loans. Prosecutors said the couple used the money to fund their lavish lifestyle—think luxury cars, designer clothing, flashy real estate, and jet-setting vacations—all while hiding earnings from the IRS.

According to federal authorities, Todd Chrisley later declared bankruptcy, walking away from over $20 million in unpaid loans. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison; Julie received a seven-year sentence. The couple was also ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution.

But Trump is now intervening.

“Your parents are going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow,” Trump said in a phone call with their daughter, Savannah Chrisley. A clip of the call, posted online by a White House aide, also included the aide’s caption: “Trump Knows Best!”

Trump added, “They’ve been given a pretty harsh treatment based on what I’m hearing.”

While no formal announcement has been made, a White House official speaking anonymously confirmed the pardons are in the works.

A Pattern of High-Profile Pardons

The Chrisleys join a growing list of Trump’s controversial pardon recipients, many of whom have ties to him politically or personally. Just a day earlier, Trump pardoned Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff convicted of fraud and bribery. In an online post, Trump claimed Jenkins and his family had been “dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ.”

He’s also moved to pardon:

• Paul Walczak, a Florida health care executive imprisoned on tax charges whose mother was linked to the leak of Ashley Biden’s diary.
• Michele Fiore, a Nevada Republican who allegedly used money meant for a police memorial statue to pay for personal expenses, including plastic surgery.

The Chrisleys Say They Were Targeted

Todd and Julie Chrisley’s legal team praised Trump’s decision.

“This pardon corrects a deep injustice and restores two devoted parents to their family and community,” said their attorney, Alex Little. He argued that the couple was “targeted because of their conservative values and high profile,” claiming their prosecution involved “multiple constitutional violations and political bias.”

“Thanks to President Trump, the Chrisley family can now begin healing and rebuilding their lives,” he added.

Legal Battles and Public Advocacy

The Chrisleys’ legal fight is far from over. Last summer, a three-judge panel from the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld their convictions but found a legal error in Julie Chrisley’s sentencing. The panel ruled the trial judge wrongly held her responsible for the entire bank fraud scheme and sent the case back for resentencing.

Meanwhile, their daughter Savannah Chrisley has become a vocal advocate for her parents. Speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention, she echoed Trump’s frequent criticisms of the criminal justice system.

She claimed her parents were “persecuted by rogue prosecutors” and targeted because of their conservative beliefs and public profile.

“I’ll never forget what the prosecutors said in the most heavily Democratic county in the state, before an Obama-appointed judge. He called us the ‘Trumps of the South,’” Savannah told the crowd. “He meant it as an insult—but let me tell you, boy, do I wear it as a badge of honor.”

As Trump positions himself for another presidential run, his use of the pardon power continues to draw both applause and scrutiny—raising questions about justice, loyalty, and the rule of law.

Source: AP News – Trump set to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley of fraud and tax evasion convictions

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Reality TV star Chase Chrisley is facing accusations of slapping a manager at a Twin Peaks restaurant in Atlanta after allegedly refusing to leave the establishment. The incident occurred on January 6, when Chrisley, best known for the reality show Chrisley Knows Best, was reportedly intoxicated and acting aggressively.

The Incident Details

According to an Atlanta police report, Chrisley, 28, was asked by the manager to leave the sports bar due to disruptive behavior. When he refused to comply, the situation escalated, with Chrisley allegedly slapping the manager twice in the face. The altercation reportedly occurred as the manager was on the phone with 911, with audio of the call later being released to the public.

The police report described Chrisley as “very disrespectful and belligerent” during the incident, with his behavior worsening before the physical confrontation.

Chase Chrisley Arrested and Released

Chrisley was arrested on Thursday on charges of simple battery. He was later released on a $10,000 bond. At the time of writing, his public relations representative, listed on his Instagram account, had not responded to inquiries regarding the incident.

Background on the Chrisley Family

Chase’s parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, are currently serving prison sentences after being convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion. In 2022, a jury found the couple guilty of conspiring to defraud banks of over $30 million in fraudulent loans. Additionally, they were convicted of tax evasion for hiding their income from the IRS.

This latest incident adds to the ongoing controversies surrounding the Chrisley family, known for their appearances on Chrisley Knows Best, a reality show that highlighted their lavish lifestyle and close-knit family dynamic.

Source

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