Trump Plans to Pardon Reality Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley Amid Claims of Political Targeting
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.
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