President Donald Trump has exercised his executive power to grant full pardons to reality TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley, known from the show "Chrisley Knows Best." The announcement, made on Tuesday, came after their daughter Savannah Chrisley's persistent campaign within Trump's political network for their release. The Chrisleys were previously convicted of financial fraud charges and were serving lengthy federal prison sentences.
The Chrisleys found fame and fortune with their show on the USA Network, but their fall from grace was dramatic when a federal jury found them guilty in 2022. They were convicted of defrauding banks out of $30 million, leading to separate incarcerations in Kentucky and Florida. This verdict had a significant impact on the Chrisley family, prompting their children to step into the public eye and plea for their parents' freedom.
Savannah Chrisley, 27, emerged as a particularly influential advocate. She made several media appearances and attended high-profile conservative events, such as the 2024 Republican National Convention and the Conservative Political Action Conference. These activities gave her access to Trump's inner circle, where she could effectively lobby for her parents' pardon.
The White House aide Margo Martin brought the pardon to public attention by sharing a video of Trump's phone conversation with Savannah on social media, cleverly captioned "Trump Knows Best!" In the video, Trump displays empathy for the Chrisleys and criticizes the justice system for their treatment, despite acknowledging he did not know them personally. He assures Savannah that her parents will be "free and clean," hoping to expedite their release.
The pardoning of the Chrisleys raises questions about the influence of political lobbying on the justice system and the power of celebrity within the political sphere. It also highlights the role of Alice Marie Johnson, appointed by Trump as a "pardon czar," after her own experience with the clemency process.
In a statement, Savannah Chrisley thanked President Trump and expressed her gratitude for the administration's review process, insisting it was based on facts and justice rather than favors. She also acknowledged Alice Marie Johnson's support and her attorney Alex Little's contribution to the successful outcome.
Savannah's commitment to combating wrongful convictions and advocating for justice reform was reinforced by the pardon. She reaffirmed her dedication to family values and the broader fight against injustice within the prison system, indicating her political activism would persist.
