Celebrity
Donald Trump Pardons ‘Chrisley Knows Best’ Stars Todd And Julie Chrisley, Sparking Public Outcry
Savannah Chrisley broke her silence just hours after the U.S. President announced a surprise presidential pardon in an emotional video that detailed how she was informed and what her family will do next.
In their well-known tax evasion and bank fraud case, reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley, who are the stars of “Chrisley Knows Best,” have received a full presidential pardon from Donald Trump.
Buzz was created when Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor Margo Martin made the announcement public on May 28, 2025, via a post on X.
The president defended his decision by describing the couple’s sentencing as “pretty harsh treatment.” In a phone call to the couple’s children, he stated, “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean.”
In a statement issued that same day, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields provided additional details on the ruling. He clarified that the president is “always pleased to give well-deserving Americans a second chance, especially those who have been unfairly targeted and overly prosecuted by an unjust justice system.”
Harrison said, “President Trump called Savannah and her brother from the Oval Office to personally inform them that he would be pardoning their parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, whose sentences were far too harsh.”
Online reactions to the pardoning have been strong, especially on Facebook, where many people have voiced conflicting views.
One commenter wrote, “This is insanity.” Another stated, “The best thing he’s done in a while!! Welcome back Chrisleys [sic]!!” A third added, “He should, they could be doing more service outside of the cement wall [sic]!”
However, others strongly disagreed. One person said, “A president should not be allowed to interfere in the criminal justice system.”
From a more personal perspective, one expressed, “From someone who has been to prison…. This isn’t right…. They should have to serve their time just like everyone else.”
Suspicion over the motive behind the pardon was also raised. One commenter noted, “They paid him to pardon them cause he’s all about money.”
Others greeted the ruling with reservations. Someone said, “Ok, now THIS is one thing I can get behind .. as long as that man gets back up on our screens!”
Another supported the action, mentioning, “The sentence was very extreme and the case was handled poorly by the judge. I think this is a great decision.”
Savannah Chrisley shared her emotional reaction on Instagram a few hours after her parents’ official pardon was announced. Wearing a white “Make America Great Again” cap, the 27-year-old said that she was “walking into Sam’s Club” when the president personally called to break the news to her.
“I have shed so many tears,” Savannah said during the video. “The President called me personally… and notified me that he was signing pardon paperwork for both of my parents.” She added, “So, both my parents are coming home tonight or tomorrow.”
Clearly overwhelmed, Savannah expressed, “I will forever be grateful for President Trump, his administration, and everyone along the way.”
She also acknowledged the efforts of her legal team and others who worked behind the scenes. “To the people who put in countless hours and effort and love for my family to make sure my parents got home, thank you.”
The Chrisley family is preparing for Todd and Julie’s return, Savannah noted. “We’re putting clothes together for mom and dad, getting their room put together upstairs.”
Savannah expressed gratitude for the supporters who stood by her family over the years. She also gave credit to various political allies, saying, “To all of the political figures I have come in contact with over the past two and a half years that believed in me and believed in my family, thank you.”
Savannah became visibly emotional while reiterating her disbelief. “It still doesn’t feel real,” she admitted. “I’m freaking out. I am going to go prepare to pick up my parents, and I just can’t thank you guys enough. They’re coming home. My parents get to start their lives over.”
“President Trump didn’t just commute their sentences, he gave them a full, unconditional pardon. So for that, I am forever grateful.” Savannah concluded her message with a vow, “I will stand next to [Trump] and [his] administration and to stand up to the corruption and to continue fighting for the men and women that are in prison.”
Savannah’s response came after months of legal and public pressure to get Todd and Julie clemency. According to an NBC News story from February 2025, the couple had applied for a presidential pardon.
Jay Surgent, their lawyer, said, “They believe that the president will seriously consider pardoning both Julie and Todd Chrisley as a result of the unfair treatment they received in the criminal justice system.”
The legal team would contend that the probe had infringed the couple’s constitutional rights, Jay said. Among these were worries of an unauthorised warehouse search.
Despite the trial judge’s refusal to withhold the relevant evidence, Jay blamed the defence team’s procedural errors for the ruling. He added that within two to four months, Donald Trump’s legal team would receive the formal pardon request.
The Chrisleys rose to fame through their reality series “Chrisley Knows Best,” which aired on USA Network for ten seasons starting in 2014. Their children, Savannah and Chase Chrisley, also starred in a spinoff series, “Growing Up Chrisley,” which ran for three seasons.
The President of the United States is empowered by the Constitution to give pardons, including complete and unconditional clemency. With the exception of impeachment trials, this authority covers all federal offences.
The Supreme Court confirmed in the 1886 case Ex parte Garland that the president may use his pardoning authority “either before legal proceedings are taken, or during their pendency, or after conviction and judgement.”
Todd and Julie are eligible for presidential clemency because they were found guilty on federal offences. According to established legal history, the President may “forgive” a guilty person, lessen their sentence, or even cancel it. For federal offences, the power is unconstrained by the constitution; it does not apply to state-level offences or civil cases.
Todd and Julie’s heartfelt responses and presidential pardon come after a convoluted court case involving grave criminal convictions. When the couple was convicted on June 8, 2022, of conspiring to cheat banks of almost $30 million in bogus loans, their legal issues reached a turning point.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the verdict, which included several allegations related to financial malfeasance.
The Chrisleys and their accountant, Peter Tarantino, were also found guilty of a number of tax-related offences, including attempts to mislead the Internal Revenue Service, according to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia.
Special Agent Keri Garley of the FBI Atlanta stated, “As today’s outcome shows, when you lie, cheat and steal, justice is blind as to your fame, your fortune, and your position.”
Agent Keri continued, “In the end, when driven by greed, the verdict of guilty on all counts for these three defendants proves once again that financial crimes do not pay.”
Julie was also convicted of obstruction of justice and wire fraud. The trial’s evidence revealed that prior to their notoriety, the pair obtained fraudulent loans from Atlanta-area community banks by submitting fictitious audit reports, financial statements, and bank statements. Allegedly, the money was utilised to finance extended travel, buy real estate, expensive clothes, and luxury cars.
Sentencing was originally planned for October 6 after the guilty verdict. Bruce Morris, Todd’s lawyer, said he was disappointed with the decision and that he would file an appeal.
Julie’s attorney, Stephen Friedberg, echoed that sentiment, “They remain strong in their faith and are deeply concerned for all of their children, as well as Todd’s mother, Elizabeth Faye. They are looking forward to continue the fight until justice is obtained and they are ultimately vindicated.”
The Chrisleys were charged separately by the Georgia Department of Revenue before their federal trial. According to those state-level accusations, they avoided paying taxes totalling around $2 million between 2008 and 2016.
However, the pair finally agreed to pay $147,944.75 to settle the state complaint, according to a settlement signed in October 2019 that was published by 11Alive.
It’s interesting to note that the Chrisleys were entitled to a return of almost $66,000 for tax years 2013 through 2016 after the settlement disclosed that they had overpaid taxes in multiple years. 2009 was the only year they owed money, and they settled that debt for $214,118.
Todd responded to the state settlement through a statement issued by his attorney, “Julie and I knew all along that we had done nothing wrong and that when the facts all came out, we would be fine. We’re just glad that the Department of Revenue was willing to keep an open mind and look at all the evidence.”
The federal allegations continued to be a major legal obstacle even after the state tax issue was settled. The pair was charged with tax evasion, conspiracy, bank fraud, and wire fraud in the 12-count federal indictment that was issued in August prior to the conviction. Throughout the proceedings, the Chrisleys maintained their innocence and entered a not guilty plea.
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