In a move that’s lighting up political debates and reality TV fan threads alike, former President Donald Trump officially pardoned reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley on May 27, 2025. The couple, famous for their hit USA Network show Chrisley Knows Best, had been serving prison time after being convicted of serious financial crimes including bank fraud and tax evasion.
Trump Just Pardoned Reality TV Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Who was pardoned? | Todd and Julie Chrisley (TV stars from Chrisley Knows Best) |
| Crimes committed | Bank fraud, tax evasion—over $30 million involved |
| Original sentence | Todd: 12 years; Julie: 7 years |
| Date of pardon | May 27, 2025 |
| Reason given by Trump | Harsh treatment, conservative values targeted |
| Pardon announced by | Trump via phone call to Savannah Chrisley (daughter), posted online |
Whether you love ‘em or loathe ‘em, the Chrisleys are back in the headlines, and this time not for their one-liners or luxury lifestyle—but because Trump just rewrote the ending to their story. His decision to pardon them has reignited debates around celebrity justice, political influence, and the boundaries of presidential power.
Who Are Todd and Julie Chrisley?
Todd and Julie Chrisley shot to fame with their family reality show, Chrisley Knows Best, which gave viewers a peek into the lavish, often chaotic lives of a Southern family juggling parenting, business, and drama. Think Keeping Up with the Kardashians—but with more southern drawl and sharp-tongued quips.
They weren’t just entertaining on screen—they were building a brand. But behind the glitter and designer outfits was a financial storm brewing.
In 2022, a federal jury found the couple guilty of conspiring to defraud banks out of more than $30 million in loans by inflating their income and hiding assets. They were also convicted of tax fraud, dodging their tax obligations for years.
What Did Trump Say About the Pardons?
In a phone call shared on social media by their daughter Savannah Chrisley, Trump told the family that he believed the Chrisleys had been treated unfairly and that their sentencing was excessive. He suggested the legal actions were politically motivated—pointing to their outspoken conservative Christian views as a possible factor.
“They were made an example of because of who they are, not what they did,” Trump allegedly said.
The pardon has not only stirred headlines—it’s also resurfaced debates about presidential pardon power and its use as a political tool.
A Look at the Charges: What Were They Convicted Of?
The case against the Chrisleys was extensive:
- Bank fraud: Submitting fake bank statements, audit reports, and personal financial documents to secure $30+ million in loans.
- Tax evasion: Withholding information from the IRS and failing to file timely tax returns.
- Obstruction of justice: Attempting to mislead investigators and jurors during the case.
In January 2023, Todd began his 12-year sentence at FPC Pensacola in Florida, while Julie was sent to FMC Lexington in Kentucky to serve her 7-year term.
Trump’s History of Celebrity Pardons
If you’re getting déjà vu, you’re not wrong. Trump has a track record of pardoning celebrities and public figures, including:
- Lil Wayne (firearm possession)
- Kodak Black (firearm charges)
- Joe Arpaio (contempt of court)
- Roger Stone and Paul Manafort (Trump allies convicted during the Mueller investigation)
This latest move feels straight out of the Trump 101 playbook—using high-profile pardons to grab attention, rally his base, and disrupt media narratives.
What Happens Now for the Chrisleys?
Thanks to the presidential pardon, Todd and Julie will be released immediately, with all federal charges and their criminal records effectively wiped clean.
It’s unclear whether their reality show will be rebooted or if they’ll return to public life as quickly as some expect—but knowing the Chrisleys, cameras might not be far behind.
Meanwhile, their daughter Savannah—who’s been vocal about her parents’ innocence and even spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention—has called the pardon “a win for justice and freedom.”
Critics Aren’t Holding Back
Legal experts and government watchdogs have raised some serious concerns:
- Was this a politically motivated pardon?
- Does it undermine the credibility of the justice system?
- Will this set a precedent for celebrities to receive favorable treatment?
Norm Eisen, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said in a statement:
“This is less about justice and more about spectacle. Pardons should be rooted in facts—not fame.”
What the Law Says About Presidential Pardons
The U.S. Constitution gives the president the power to grant pardons for federal offenses. That means:
- Yes, Trump was within his rights.
- No, it doesn’t apply to state-level charges (but the Chrisleys weren’t facing those).
- Yes, a pardon wipes the conviction clean—but doesn’t necessarily mean the person was innocent.
Still, it’s worth noting that a pardon doesn’t overturn the facts of the case. It just means the government no longer considers the person punishable under the law.
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FAQs
Why were Todd and Julie Chrisley in prison in the first place?
They were convicted of defrauding banks of over $30 million and evading taxes. Their sentences were 12 years and 7 years, respectively.
What does a presidential pardon do?
It clears a person’s federal criminal record and ends their punishment. It does not declare them innocent.
When were they pardoned?
On May 27, 2025, by former President Donald Trump.
Can Trump issue pardons even though he’s not president anymore?
Technically, no—unless he’s re-elected or currently in office. This pardon was granted during his second term (2025–2029), which began after winning the 2024 election.
Is the Chrisleys’ reality show returning?
There’s no official word yet, but insiders say media producers are circling.
Was this pardon controversial?
Absolutely. It’s sparked major debate among legal experts and political commentators.
