Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon to reality television personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley, known for their show Chrisley Knows Best. The announcement was made public by White House Communications Advisor Margo Martin via social media and later confirmed by official statements from the Trump campaign.
According to a statement from Harrison Fields, a campaign spokesperson, the decision to pardon the Chrisleys was made based on the belief that the couple’s sentence was disproportionate to the offenses for which they were convicted.
Sources: NBC News, White House Archive
Background on the Federal Conviction
Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted on June 8, 2022, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on multiple counts of bank fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the IRS. Their conviction was the result of a multi-year investigation into financial fraud committed through false loan applications and tax evasion.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the couple was found guilty of securing more than $30 million in fraudulent loans by submitting fabricated financial documents to community banks. These funds were used to maintain a lavish lifestyle, according to trial evidence.
The couple’s accountant, Peter Tarantino, was also convicted of related charges. The FBI and IRS jointly conducted the investigation, and all charges stemmed from federal, not state, offenses.
Source: U.S. DOJ Press Release, June 2022
Sentencing and Appeals
In November 2022, Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, while Julie Chrisley received 7 years. Both were also ordered to serve additional supervised release terms and pay restitution.
Attorneys for the Chrisleys filed appeals challenging both the convictions and the length of the sentences. Arguments included concerns over the admissibility of certain financial records and alleged procedural errors during trial.
As of early 2025, the appeal process had not resulted in a reversal, although the defense continued efforts to seek legal remedies.
Source: Associated Press
Legal Basis for the Pardon
The U.S. Constitution grants the President broad clemency powers, as outlined in Article II, Section 2. This includes the ability to grant full or partial pardons for federal crimes. The power is not subject to approval by any other branch of government and has been upheld in major legal precedents, including the 1866 Supreme Court case Ex parte Garland.
Legal experts note that while controversial, the use of pardons—especially near or following a presidency—is constitutionally valid as long as the offenses are federal in nature.
Source: Cornell Law: Presidential Pardon Power
Public and Political Reaction
The decision to pardon the Chrisleys sparked widespread debate. Supporters of the family expressed gratitude, noting the couple’s popularity and asserting that the sentences were excessive. Public statements from family members, particularly their daughter Savannah Chrisley, reflected emotional relief and appreciation for the pardon.
Critics, however, raised concerns about the motivations behind the clemency, arguing that high-profile individuals should not receive preferential treatment in the justice system. Comments on social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) revealed a deep divide in public opinion.
Some expressed concern over setting precedents, while others pointed to past instances of clemency for white-collar crimes, including pardons issued under prior administrations.
Source: Reuters Fact Check
Savannah Chrisley’s Public Statement
Following the pardon, Savannah Chrisley posted a video on Instagram confirming the news and thanking supporters. She acknowledged the legal teams, political figures, and personal supporters who assisted in advocating for clemency.
She also confirmed the family was preparing to welcome Todd and Julie home and mentioned that both had been personally informed of the pardon by the former president in a phone call.
Source: [Savannah Chrisley Instagram, May 28, 2025]
State-Level Tax Case Resolved
Prior to their federal convictions, the Chrisleys faced separate tax charges from the Georgia Department of Revenue. In October 2019, they reached a settlement, agreeing to pay $147,944.75 in back taxes, according to reporting by 11Alive News (Atlanta NBC Affiliate).
The settlement revealed that the Chrisleys had overpaid in some years and were entitled to partial refunds. The state dropped all criminal charges after reaching the agreement, and the matter was considered resolved.
Source: 11Alive – Georgia Tax Case Settlement
Career Background
Todd and Julie Chrisley gained widespread fame through their reality series Chrisley Knows Best, which aired on USA Network from 2014 until its cancellation in 2022. The show chronicled the daily lives of the Chrisley family and became a staple in pop culture for its blend of humor and drama.
The couple’s children, including Savannah and Chase, also appeared in a spin-off series titled Growing Up Chrisley, which aired on E! Network for three seasons.
Their fame and public persona were central to media coverage during their legal proceedings, but officials from the DOJ and FBI maintained throughout that their actions were prosecuted based solely on evidence and not celebrity status.
Source: USA Network
What’s Next for the Chrisleys?
With the federal convictions nullified by a presidential pardon, the Chrisleys are now legally absolved of the charges for which they were convicted. The pardon removes not only the sentence but also the legal consequences of the conviction, restoring all civil rights.
However, critics note that a pardon does not equate to exoneration. Legal scholars emphasize that it is a political act of clemency, not a judicial finding of innocence.
At the time of this writing, Todd and Julie Chrisley have not announced specific future plans but are expected to resume private life and explore potential media opportunities, possibly including podcasting, writing, or speaking engagements.
Source: New York Times – Presidential Pardons Explained
Final Thoughts
The presidential pardon of Todd and Julie Chrisley marks a turning point in a high-profile legal saga that spanned over a decade. It highlights the enduring debate over presidential clemency, justice reform, and how fame intersects with the legal system.
As they reenter public life, the Chrisley family is once again in the spotlight—but this time, under very different circumstances. While reactions remain mixed, the legal matter is now officially closed under the authority of a presidential act.
Verified Sources Cited:
- U.S. Department of Justice
- NBC News
- Associated Press
- Reuters Fact Check
- Cornell Legal Information Institute
- USA Network
- 11Alive News (NBC Georgia)
- New York Times
