Former President Donald Trump has issued full pardons to Todd and Julie Chrisley, the reality television couple convicted of a massive financial fraud scheme, wiping clean their federal sentences and paving the way for their imminent release from prison.
The Chrisleys, stars of the hit reality show Chrisley Knows Best, were convicted in 2022 for orchestrating a conspiracy that defrauded banks of over $30 million, as well as for committing several tax-related crimes, including efforts to deceive the Internal Revenue Service.
Their surprise pardons were confirmed by the White House on Tuesday. Trump’s senior adviser Margo Martin posted a video on social media showing the former president calling the couple’s daughter, Savannah Chrisley, to deliver the news personally.
“It’s a terrible situation, but the good news is, your parents will be free and clear. We’re working to make it happen as soon as tomorrow,” Trump said during the call.
Trump was joined in the Oval Office by Alice Johnson, a former federal inmate he previously pardoned and who now advises him on clemency decisions. Johnson played a central role in advocating for the Chrisleys’ case.
Pardons Framed as Justice Reform
In a statement, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields said the decision reflects Trump’s commitment to second chances.
“President Trump is proud to right the wrongs of a justice system that too often over-punishes certain Americans. Todd and Julie Chrisley were given excessively harsh sentences, and the President has moved to correct that,” Fields stated.
The Chrisleys’ daughter, Savannah, has been an outspoken supporter of Trump. She spoke at the Republican National Convention and took part in Trump’s campaign trail efforts, including the “Women for Trump” tour. She recently appeared on Fox News with Lara Trump, voicing concerns about her parents’ treatment by the justice system.
From Reality TV to Federal Prison — and Back
Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty in June 2022 of falsifying documents, inflating their wealth, and hiding income from the IRS. At sentencing, Todd received 12 years in a federal facility in Florida, while Julie was given seven years at a federal medical prison in Kentucky.
Both had insisted on their innocence and were in the process of appealing their convictions at the time of the pardon.
Following the announcement, the Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed preparations were underway for the couple’s release. According to spokesperson Scott Taylor, the process could be immediate or take a few days, depending on travel logistics and administrative procedures.
Political Undertones and Backlash
The Chrisleys’ pardons have stirred debate, with critics accusing Trump of favoring allies and public figures over lesser-known inmates. Supporters, however, view the move as a step toward justice reform, especially in cases of over-sentencing.
Legal analysts note that Trump has frequently used his pardon powers to spotlight what he describes as “unfair prosecutions,” particularly of high-profile individuals who support him.
As the Chrisleys prepare to reunite with their family, their case marks another headline-making use of presidential clemency—and underscores the ongoing intersection of celebrity, justice, and politics in the U.S.