Trump pardons reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley for $36 million fraud
Former President Donald Trump has pardoned reality TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley, best known for their show *Chrisley Knows Best*. The couple was convicted three years ago of tax evasion and defrauding banks of more than $30 million. The pardons were announced by the White House on Tuesday and are another example of Trump using his presidential pardon powers to challenge the "weaponized justice system".
Todd and Julie Chrisley were accused and convicted of using forged documents to obtain millions of dollars in loans to maintain a lavish lifestyle. They were also convicted of hiding income from their reality show to avoid paying taxes. The case attracted national attention due to their public profile and the scale of the fraud.
Trump's decision to pardon Chrisley was revealed via a video call between the former president and his daughter, Savannah Chrisley. In the call, posted on social media by presidential aide Margo Martin, Trump informed Savannah that her parents would be released. "Your parents are going to be free and clean," Trump said. "I don't know them, but give them my regards and wish them a good life." Savannah, who was visibly emotional, thanked Trump on the call, saying, "Thank you very much, Mr. President." Trump has often criticized the U.S. justice system, particularly in cases involving political allies, celebrities, or people he believes have been unfairly targeted. Chrisley's case fits into a broader pattern of pardons and clemencies issued during and after his presidency, often benefiting individuals he believes were victims of prosecutorial overreach. Chrisley family attorney Alex Little praised the pardons and argued that justice had finally been done. In a statement released Wednesday, Little described the pardons as a correction of a "grave injustice" and expressed relief that the couple would now return to their family and community. "This action returns two devoted parents back to their children and the life they had built before this unfortunate matter," he said. The Chrisleys' television show, which showcased their lavish lifestyle and family dynamics, ran for several seasons and attracted a large following. However, their legal troubles caused the show to be halted and their public image tarnished. With the pardons, supporters of the couple hope they will somehow be able to return to public life and be reunited with their family without the burden of a criminal conviction. Trump's use of presidential pardons has long been a subject of controversy, with critics arguing it undermines the legal process. However, supporters see it as a way to correct judicial errors and provide a second chance. The Chrisley pardon is the latest high-profile example of this approach and has fueled debate about the power and reach of presidential pardons.