Former President Donald Trump’s decision to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley has ignited widespread controversy. The couple, known from the show “Chrisley Knows Best,” were convicted in 2022 for defrauding banks of over $30 million and committing tax evasion. Todd received a 12-year sentence, while Julie was sentenced to seven years. They began serving their terms in early 2023. (New York Post, The Daily Beast, Wikipedia, Business Insider)
The pardons were announced on May 27, 2025, when Trump personally informed their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, via a phone call. Savannah, a vocal Trump supporter who campaigned for him during the 2024 election and spoke at the Republican National Convention, had been actively advocating for her parents’ release. She argued that her parents were unfairly targeted due to their conservative beliefs and that there were constitutional violations during their prosecution. (New York Post, Business Insider, FOX 5 Atlanta)
The pardons have been met with significant public backlash. Critics argue that the Chrisleys’ convictions were based on substantial evidence and that pardoning them undermines the justice system. Some former associates and members of the public have expressed their disapproval on social media platforms, emphasizing the seriousness of the crimes committed. (Reddit)
Supporters of the Chrisleys, however, view the pardons as a rectification of what they perceive as an unjust legal process. The family’s attorney, Alex Little, welcomed the decision, stating it corrected a political and constitutional injustice. (The Daily Beast)
This development adds to the ongoing debate over the use of presidential pardons and raises questions about the influence of political affiliations on legal outcomes.
