In a surprise Oval Office phone call Tuesday, former President Donald J. Trump announced his intention to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted in 2022 of bank fraud and tax evasion involving more than $30 million in fraudulent loans.
Speaking directly to their children, Savannah and Chase Chrisley, Trump said the couple would be "free and clean," and that the pardon could be finalized as soon as Wednesday. The moment was captured and posted on X (formerly Twitter) by a White House aide, accompanied by the caption, “Trump Knows Best!”
“It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean... We’ll try getting it done tomorrow,” Trump told the emotional siblings. Chase, through tears, responded, “Thank you for bringing my parents back.”
Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality show "Chrisley Knows Best," were each sentenced in 2022 to 12 and 7 years in federal prison, respectively. The couple was convicted of conspiring to defraud community banks and committing tax evasion. Although their sentences were later reduced, they have remained behind bars since January 2023.
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Trump appeared sympathetic during the call, commenting on what he called the couple’s “harsh treatment,” and praised the Chrisleys’ children. Standing alongside Trump in the Oval Office was Alice Marie Johnson, whom he appointed as his official “pardon czar” and who reportedly played a key role in the decision.
After the call, Savannah Chrisley posted an emotional Instagram video, stating she received the news while entering a Sam’s Club and that she was “forever grateful” to Trump.
“My parents get to start their lives over!” Savannah exclaimed. “Thank God for a president like Donald J. Trump who wants to restore families.”
The news comes months after Savannah spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where she claimed her family was targeted by “rogue prosecutors in Fulton County.”
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According to federal prosecutors, the Chrisleys lived lavishly while defaulting on over $20 million in loans, later attempting to walk away from repayment through Todd Chrisley's bankruptcy filing.
A White House official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the pardons are expected to be made official imminently, according to the Associated Press.
This high-profile pardon is likely to stir political debate as Trump continues to exercise influence over his base and solidify support ahead of the 2024 election cycle.
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