Donald Trump has announced plans to issue a presidential pardon for Todd and Julie Chrisley, the stars of the reality TV show Chrisley Knows Best, following a high-profile interview by their daughter Savannah Chrisley on Fox News.
The couple were convicted in 2022 for defrauding banks out of more than $36 million and for tax evasion, resulting in lengthy prison sentences—12 years for Todd and 7 years for Julie. Despite the convictions, Trump claimed in a recorded phone call shared online by White House aide Margo Martin that the couple would be “free and clean” soon, possibly by the next day.
The Chrisley Fraud Case: What Happened?
Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty of orchestrating an elaborate fraud scheme, submitting fake documents to banks to secure millions in loans. Prosecutors also charged them with using their television production income to avoid a $500,000 tax bill. Their accountant, Peter Tarantino, was also convicted and sentenced to three years.
The Chrisleys maintained their innocence and blamed a former employee, but were ultimately convicted after a three-week trial. Prosecutors highlighted their extravagant spending on luxury items and attempts to cover up their income through bankruptcy and corporate structures.
Savannah Chrisley’s Advocacy and Trump’s Response
In May 2025, Savannah Chrisley appeared on Lara Trump’s Fox News program, My View, where she framed her parents’ legal woes as political persecution. She pointed out that the prosecutors were Democrats and compared the case to Trump’s own legal battles.
Trump responded to Savannah’s campaign by pledging to pardon her parents, calling the situation a “two-faced justice system.” Savannah has been a vocal supporter of Trump and even spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, further aligning herself with the former president’s political base.
Pattern of Political Pardons
This pardon marks the second politically significant pardon by Trump in recent days. On Monday, he granted clemency to former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins, who was convicted of accepting bribes in exchange for issuing fake law enforcement credentials. Like the Chrisleys, Jenkins is a staunch Trump supporter.
As Trump continues his 2024 campaign activities while facing multiple legal challenges, analysts have suggested that these pardons may be aimed at galvanizing his base by appealing to perceptions of a biased justice system.
What’s Next?
While the formal paperwork has not yet been filed, Trump’s statement and the viral phone call indicate that the pardon for the Chrisleys may be imminent. If granted, it would not only free the couple but also potentially erase their criminal records.
The move is expected to further ignite debates around presidential pardon powers, especially when used in cases involving celebrities or political allies.