President Donald Trump has announced plans to grant full pardons to reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, known for their show Chrisley Knows Best. The couple was convicted in 2022 of defrauding community banks out of over $30 million through fraudulent loans and of tax evasion for concealing earnings while maintaining a lavish lifestyle. Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, while Julie Chrisley received a seven-year sentence. In addition to their prison terms, they were ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution.
The White House announced the pardons via social media, quoting Trump as saying “Trump Knows Best!” in reference to their TV show. In a phone call with the Chrisleys’ daughter, Savannah, Trump expressed his intention to grant the pardon, stating, “Your parents are going to be free and clean.”
The Chrisleys’ convictions stemmed from a scheme where they used false documents to obtain loans, which were then spent on luxury items and services. Todd Chrisley also filed for bankruptcy, walking away from more than $20 million in unpaid loans. Despite a 2024 appellate ruling that upheld their convictions, the court found a legal error in Julie Chrisley’s sentencing, leading to a resentencing order.
The announcement of the pardons has drawn attention due to the high-profile nature of the case and the Chrisleys’ public personas. Further details are expected as the legal process unfolds.