More than two years after their high-profile convictions for financial crimes, reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley are making headlines again—this time for being granted full presidential pardons by Donald Trump. From prison life to family fallout, here are five key things to know about the situation:
1. Todd and Julie Chrisley Have Been Pardoned by Donald Trump
On May 28, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed full pardons for Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were serving 12- and 7-year sentences, respectively, for bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. The news broke when Trump called their daughter Savannah Chrisley from the Oval Office, a moment shared on social media. “Your parents are going to be free and clean,” he told her.
2. Their Legal Trouble Stems From a $36 Million Fraud Case
The Chrisleys’ legal troubles began long before their reality TV fame. In 2019, a federal grand jury indicted the couple on charges involving over $36 million in fraudulent loans and tax evasion. They were convicted in 2022, and their show “Chrisley Knows Best”—a popular USA Network series documenting their opulent lifestyle—ended the following year after a 10-season run.
3. Life Behind Bars Was Harsh—And Public
Both Todd and Julie have spoken (or had family speak) about the challenges of prison life. Todd, held in Pensacola, Florida, worked as an assistant to the chaplain and criticized the conditions, saying inmates were underfed and served expired food. Julie, held at a federal medical facility in Kentucky, faced isolation and, according to Savannah, was not allowed to communicate with Todd.
4. Their Daughter Savannah Chrisley Became Their Public Advocate
Savannah Chrisley stepped into the spotlight after her parents’ sentencing, becoming their most vocal advocate. In addition to hosting the “Unlocked” podcast and caring for her younger brother Grayson and niece Chloe, Savannah lobbied for her parents’ release and even spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Her efforts are widely seen as instrumental in securing the pardons.
5. The Chrisley Family Has Faced Major Struggles—But Stuck Together
The Chrisleys’ legal troubles deeply affected each family member. Todd’s older children from his first marriage, Lindsie and Kyle, each had periods of estrangement but later reconciled. Chase dealt with a public breakup and legal trouble of his own. Grayson, the youngest, began college while coping with the family’s public downfall. Through it all, Savannah has worked to hold the family together—and now, they’re preparing for a new chapter outside prison walls.
With the pardons in place, the Chrisleys are expected to be released soon. Whether they return to television or choose a quieter life remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: their dramatic rise, fall, and redemption continues to capture America’s attention.
