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Donald Trump pardons reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted of fraud and tax evasion

The president granted a controversial full pardon to the Chrisleys, and the criticism was not long in coming

Donald Trump pardons reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted of fraud and tax evasion

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced that he will grant a full pardon to Todd and Julie Chrisley, known for their involvement in the hit reality show "Chrisley Knows Best". The couple were serving sentences for bank fraud and tax evasion charges, but will now be released, following the presidential decision.

The news was shared by Trump's communications adviser Margo Martin, who posted a video on social network X showing the president talking on the phone with the couple's children, Savannah and Grayson Chrisley. In the call, Trump told them the news: "It's a terrible thing (...), their sentences were too harsh, but it's a big thing because your parents are going to be free and clean," he said.

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In addition, Trump promised "full clemency" for the Chrisleys and asked that his greetings be conveyed to both. According to his own statements, this decision is based on his criticism of the US judicial system, which - in his opinion - has been unfair to some people, including this celebrity couple.

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The Chrisley children's gratitude

"Mr. President, I just want to thank you for bringing my parents back," Grayson replied emotionally. For her part, Savannah, in a live broadcast on Instagram, expressed her gratitude: "My parents can start their lives over! President Trump gave them a full and unconditional pardon and for that, I am eternally grateful."

In a subsequent statement, Savannah also added: "Over the past two and a half years, I have done everything in my power to fight for my parents' freedom. This moment is the answer to countless prayers, and I am beyond grateful to President Trump for seeing the truth and restoring my family".

This was the crime for which they were acquitted

Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted in 2022 of bank fraud exceeding $36 million, as well as tax evasion. According to prosecutors, the couple submitted false and altered bank documents to obtain personal loans. They were also found guilty of failing to report and pay more than $500,000 in taxes between 2013 and 2016.

The money, authorities said, was used for luxury travel and expensive cars. The sentence was harsh: 12 years for Todd and seven for Julie, who was also convicted of obstruction of justice. At the time of sentencing, the Department of Justice was emphatic: "Their lengthy sentences reflect the magnitude of their criminal scheme and should serve as a warning to others tempted to exploit our nation's community banking system."

Controversial 'second chance'

However, in February this year, the couple formally requested a pardon from President Trump. On Tuesday, the request was granted. According to White House spokesman Harrison Fields, "the president is always pleased to give a second chance to deserving Americans, especially those who have been unfairly singled out and over-prosecuted by an unjust justice system".

With this pardon, Todd and Julie Chrisley regain their freedom and possibly also the course of their public lives, but with the burden of the opinion of many detractors to such a decision from the highest levels of US politics.

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