President Donald Trump has pardoned reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley, setting them free after more than two years in prison. The Chrisleys were found guilty of bank fraud and tax evasion and began their prison terms in January 2023.
They became famous from the TV show Chrisley Knows Best, which showed their wealthy lifestyle and family life. But in 2022, a court ruled they had illegally taken over $36 million in fake loans and failed to pay taxes for four years. Todd was sentenced to 12 years, and Julie to 7 years.
The Chrisleys claimed they were targeted because of their conservative beliefs. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, led a public fight to get them released. She gave speeches, attended political events, and even visited the White House.
On Tuesday, Trump personally called Savannah from the Oval Office to say her parents would be pardoned. A video of the moment was shared online by a White House aide. Trump told her, “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing because your parents are going to be free.”
The White House said the punishment was too harsh and the case showed problems in the justice system. The Chrisleys’ lawyers also said the trial was unfair and influenced by politics.
Savannah thanked Trump on social media and said her family is now getting ready to welcome her parents home. “My parents get to start their lives over,” she said in an emotional video.
The couple’s old TV shows were canceled after their conviction. But a new docuseries about the Chrisley family is already in the works, showing how they handled life while Todd and Julie were in prison.
This is one of many high-profile pardons Trump has made during his second term. He has also pardoned January 6 rioters, former politicians, and law enforcement officials.
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