President Donald Trump’s decision this week to pardon reality show stars Todd and Julie Chrisley of fraud and tax evasion brought excitement and relief to their adult children, including daughter Savannah Chrisley, who had lobbied for their release via social media, a podcast and a Republican National Convention speech.
The president issued full pardons on Wednesday for the couple, whose show “Chrisley Knows Best” followed the lavish lifestyle of real estate mogul Todd Chrisley and his family. The couple were convicted in 2022 of defrauding banks of tens of millions of dollars and of hiding earnings from tax authorities.
Prosecutors said the crimes helped boost the Chrisleys’ extravagant, expensive lifestyle that they displayed on their show, including luxury cars and travel. Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, while Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years. They were also ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution.
“It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow. Is that OK? We’ll try getting it done tomorrow,” Trump said Tuesday in a phone call with their daughter. “I don’t know them, but give them my regards and wish them a good life.”
