Reality Todd and Julie Chrisley, the husband-and-wife stars of the reality television show Chrisley Knows Best, were released from federal prison on Wednesday after being granted full pardons by former President Donald Trump. Their release comes nearly two years after they were convicted on multiple charges, including fraud and tax evasion.
Reality On Wednesday, a law firm representing the couple confirmed to CNN that the Chrisleys were heading back to their home in Nashville, Tennessee, following their release.
Reality The pardons for the Chrisleys were among a series of controversial clemency decisions made by Trump, which also included pardons for former Republican Congressman Michael Grimm of New York, who had served seven months for tax evasion, and former Connecticut Governor John Rowland, who was convicted of federal campaign-related offenses.
Reality Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted in 2022 on charges of conspiracy to defraud several banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans. In addition to bank fraud, they were also found guilty of multiple tax-related offenses, including attempts to deceive the Internal Revenue Service.
Throughout the legal process, the Chrisleys had maintained their innocence and were actively pursuing appeals to overturn their convictions at the time of the pardons. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, revealed that she received a phone call on Tuesday from Trump, who personally informed her that he had decided to issue full pardons for both of her parents.
In an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper later that evening, the Chrisleys’ attorney, Alex Little, explained that the pardons were not necessarily a declaration of innocence.
“I think ultimately, the White House was convinced it didn’t work the way it should have.”
The sudden release of the Chrisleys is likely to renew public and legal debate over the use of presidential pardon powers, particularly when they involve high-profile or politically connected individuals.
It remains to be seen whether the couple will return to television or public life in the wake of their release. For now, they are focusing on reuniting with family and resuming life outside of federal custody.
Chrisleys’ Legal Battle and Presidential Pardon Spark Debate as Family Speaks Out
In a failed appeal last year, their legal team argued that the prosecution had knowingly permitted false testimony and lacked sufficient evidence to convict the couple. However, according to the Associated Press, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the convictions for both Todd and Julie.
Commenting on the pardon, the couple’s attorney, Alex Little, emphasized that the presidential clemency was not necessarily an assertion of innocence, but a statement on the perceived failure of the justice system in this case. “The pardon process exists for moments when the outcome seems unjust,” Little said. “That’s what the president acknowledged today.”
Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, has been vocal throughout her parents’ legal ordeal and played a key role in rallying public and political support. Speaking to reporters before the couple’s release, she rejected speculation that any political favors were exchanged for the pardons.
And not just for them—I’m fighting for every man left behind who deserves a second chance.”
Savannah’s advocacy extended to the national stage. In July, she spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee and later participated in “Team Trump’s Women Tour,” campaigning on behalf of Donald Trump. She also made an appearance on Fox News in an interview with Lara Trump, where she detailed her parents’ legal battle and called for criminal justice reform.
At a White House briefing on Wednesday, former President Trump addressed the growing attention around his clemency decisions. When asked whether he might pardon the men convicted of plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020, Trump said he was “going to look at it,” indicating that more pardons could be under consideration.
The Chrisleys’ release adds to the growing controversy surrounding Trump’s use of presidential pardons, especially in cases involving high-profile or politically active individuals. While their supporters hail the move as a correction of an unjust outcome, critics question the motivations behind the clemency and the precedent it may set.