US President Donald Trump has announced a pardon for Todd and Julie Chrisley, the couple best known for their reality TV show Chrisley Knows Best. The pair were convicted in 2022 on multiple federal charges, including tax evasion, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and wire fraud. Julie was also found guilty of obstruction of justice. The decision has sparked a wave of reactions online, quickly making #ChrisleyPardons trend across social media.
The couple’s daughter, Savannah Chrisley, has been outspoken about their imprisonment, recently appearing on Lara Trump’s Fox News show to plead their case. A week later, Trump, who is also a former reality TV star, announced the pardon, saying the couple had received “pretty harsh treatment,” according to the Associated Press. This pardon is one of several high-profile clemency decisions Trump has made since returning to office.
So, who exactly are Todd and Julie Chrisley, and how did they rise to fame? Here’s a look at the reality TV couple’s lavish lifestyle — and how they landed into serious legal trouble.
About Todd and Julie Chrisley and their rise to fame
Todd and Julie Chrisley| Credit: X
Todd and Julie Chrisley rose to fame as the stars of Chrisley Knows Best, a reality TV show that aired in 2014 and quickly became a guilty-pleasure hit during the prime of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, another reality show that revolved around the dramatic lives of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
Chrisley Knows Best followed the lavish lifestyle of the wealthy Southern couple and their family, complete with designer wardrobes, luxury cars, and plenty of dramatic one-liners. Todd, a real estate tycoon and head of a wealthy family in the Atlanta area, known for his sharp tongue and flashy taste, played the role of the no-nonsense patriarch, while Julie was the calm, collected matriarch who balanced the chaos with her Southern charm. The show aired for ten seasons from 2014 to 2023.
The Chrisleys| Credit: X
The IMDb description of the show reads, “Chrisley Knows Best follows Atlanta-based self-made multimillionaire Todd Chrisley, his devoted wife Julie, and their five children, who live a seemingly picture-perfect Southern life with everything money can buy.”
Furthermore, it chronicled their convoluted family dynamics, including their estrangement from Todd’s eldest kids, Kyle and Lindsie Chrisley, whom he welcomed with his first wife, Teresa Terry.
A spin-off reality series about its adult children, Chase and Savannah Chrisley, at its center, was premiered in 2019, and it went on for four seasons. Todd shares these two (and his 19-year-old son Grayson) with his current wife, Julie.
How did Todd and Julie Chrisley land in this mess?
Despite portraying financial success on-screen, federal prosecutors accused the Chrisleys of bank fraud and tax evasion. According to court documents, between 2007 and 2012, they allegedly submitted fake documents to banks to secure over $30 million in fraudulent loans. They were also accused of hiding income and not paying taxes while continuing to spend extravagantly on real estate, clothes, and travel.
In 2022, a jury convicted them of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. Julie was also found guilty of obstruction of justice. Prosecutors said they lived well beyond their means and used a web of lies to maintain the illusion of wealth.
Todd was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Julie received a 7-year sentence. In 2024, a judge rejected their appeal for reduced sentences, reaffirming Julie’s 7-year term. Since then, their 27-year-old daughter, has taken over custody of her younger siblings.
Trump broke the pardon news directly to Savannah
Savannah Chrisley has been campaigning for her parents’ release for months, and it turns out she got the news straight from the top. In an emotional Instagram video posted Tuesday, May 27 (US time), Savannah revealed that Trump personally called her as she was walking into Sam’s Club to let her know that he had officially pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley.
“I have shed so many tears,” she said in her Instagram video. “The President called me personally… and notified me that he was signing pardon paperwork for both of my parents. So, both my parents are coming home tonight or tomorrow. I still don’t believe it’s real. I’m freaking out.”
Clearly overwhelmed, Savannah exclaimed, “It’s time to go get Mom and Dad!” She went on to thank fans for their ongoing support. “I just can’t thank you guys enough for sticking with my family and loving us… My parents get to start their lives over!”
#ChrisleyPardons trends on social media
The announcement of Trump’s decision to pardon the Chrisleys has ignited a storm online, with #ChrisleyPardons quickly climbing the trending charts across social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Supporters of the reality TV couple have flooded social media with celebratory posts, demanding they bring their iconic show back.
TODD AND JULIE CHRISLEY ARE FREE OMG NOW BRING THE SHOW BACK!!!!! pic.twitter.com/tlFEykTwix
— . (@adelesremedyy) May 27, 2025
SOMEBODY GET NANNY FAYE ON THE LINE
Todd and Julie Chrisley just got pardoned !!!! pic.twitter.com/LlgKGfSvg9
— raveen marie 🫶🏾 (@xoraveen) May 27, 2025
The Chrisley’s, Todd and Julie have been Pardoned by President Trump. This is Amazing news! They should have Never went to prison! Another score! pic.twitter.com/SPqnYsgFmf
— Kate (@AbbypaigeKate) May 27, 2025
🚨 BOOM! Trump just dropped a MAJOR W! Full pardons for Todd and Julie Chrisley, and I’m HERE for it!
The Chrisleys, y’all—love ‘em or not, they’re reality TV gold, and getting caught in that legal mess was a travesty.
Todd’s larger-than-life swagger and Julie’s heart-of-gold… pic.twitter.com/Aznf8EpDVQ
— Dr Vincent Sativa 🇺🇸 (@The_Weed_Shop) May 27, 2025
However, several users also slammed the Trump administration, calling it ‘insane’ to forgive criminal charges levelled against the couple.
One user wrote, “I’m a huge Trump guy, but this full pardon of the Chrisleys is BS. They defrauded $30M and owed $17.8M in restitution after 12-year sentences but got pardoned after 2 years with no restitution? How the hell does that work?”
“Trump just pardoned TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley who conspired to defraud Atlanta-area banks out of $30 million in fraudulent loans. In Trump’s America, crimes are celebrated and prison sentences are cut short. Actual insanity,” said another.
I’m a huge Trump guy but this full pardon of the Chrisley’s is BS. They defrauded $30M and owed $17.8M in restitution after 7&12 year sentences but got pardoned after 2 years with no restitution? How the hell does that work? pic.twitter.com/Sy3qUaCY7H
— Furu Finder (@Burner91849328) May 27, 2025
I’m a huge Trump guy but this full pardon of the Chrisley’s is BS. They defrauded $30M and owed $17.8M in restitution after 7&12 year sentences but got pardoned after 2 years with no restitution? How the hell does that work? pic.twitter.com/Sy3qUaCY7H
— Furu Finder (@Burner91849328) May 27, 2025
According to a White House official speaking to E! News, the official pardon documents are expected to be finalized by the end of the day on May 28.
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