Politics
Trump Frees Reality Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley in Stunning Pardon That Reunites Their Family
After serving over two years behind bars for fraud and tax evasion, the reality TV couple walks free following a surprise presidential pardon
In a move that has shocked political watchers and pop culture fans alike, former President Donald Trump has officially pardoned reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley, leading to their immediate release from federal prison this week. The stars of Chrisley Knows Best, who were convicted in 2022 of financial fraud and tax evasion, are now back home with their family in Nashville.
Todd, 57, and Julie, 52, had been serving 12- and 7-year prison sentences respectively for conspiring to defraud banks of over $30 million in fraudulent loans, hiding income from the IRS, and living an extravagant lifestyle far beyond their reported earnings. Federal prosecutors presented evidence that the couple submitted fake documents to secure massive loans, used the funds on luxury items, and later failed to pay taxes from 2013 to 2016—even concealing income from their TV show.
But on May 29, both were suddenly released after receiving a full pardon from President Trump, who called the treatment of the couple “pretty harsh.” In a personal phone call with the Chrisley children—Savannah, Chase, and Kyle—Trump reportedly said, “Your parents are going to be free and clean… This should not have happened.”
The emotional moment was captured and posted on social media, where Savannah revealed she was “in shock” and “forever grateful” to the former president for reuniting her family. “I got the call from the president himself,” she said in a teary Instagram video. “Both of my parents are coming home tonight or tomorrow. I still don’t believe it’s real!”
Chase Chrisley echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’m beyond thankful to finally have my parents back home and my family together again.” Kyle Chrisley, Todd’s son from his first marriage, added, “Savannah never gave up, and we’re so grateful to her and President Trump for making this happen.”
Their attorney, Alex Little, claimed the couple had been the victims of political bias and misconduct during their prosecution. “This pardon corrects a deep injustice,” he said. “Todd and Julie were targeted because of their conservative values and public profile. Their prosecution featured false testimony and constitutional violations.”
The Chrisleys rose to fame with Chrisley Knows Best, which aired on the USA Network starting in 2014. The show quickly gained popularity thanks to Todd’s larger-than-life personality and the family’s lavish lifestyle. They later starred in a spin-off, Growing Up Chrisley, featuring Savannah and Grayson.
With their sudden return home, speculation is swirling about whether the couple will return to television—or turn their prison experience into a new chapter of storytelling. For now, the family is focused on healing, celebrating, and reclaiming the time they lost.