Trump pardons reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley after tax evasion, bank fraud convictions

Trump grants full pardon to Todd and Julie Chrisley
President Donald Trump has granted a full pardon to reality television personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley following their 2022 convictions for tax evasion and bank fraud. The announcement was made public through a video posted to X by White House communications advisor Margo Martin, featuring Trump speaking with the couple’s daughter, Savannah Chrisley.

In the video, Trump informed Savannah Chrisley of the decision, stating, “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow.” Trump added that although he did not personally know the couple, he wished them well.


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Todd Chrisley was originally sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, while Julie Chrisley received a seven-year sentence. The pair were found guilty of submitting false documents to secure over $30 million in fraudulent loans from Atlanta-area banks. Additionally, they were convicted of concealing millions in earnings from their reality show Chrisley Knows Best to avoid paying taxes.

Accountant sentenced but not included in pardon
In the same case, the couple’s accountant, Peter Tarantino, was sentenced to three years in prison. He was found guilty of conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and filing false tax returns. As of Tuesday, May 27, there has been no confirmation regarding a potential pardon for Tarantino.

The couple’s attorney previously stated in February 2025 that Trump was “seriously” considering issuing a pardon for the Chrisleys. Trump, during his phone conversation with Savannah Chrisley, said the couple had been treated “pretty harshly” in court.

Todd and Julie Chrisley rose to national fame through their USA Network series, Chrisley Knows Best, which aired for nine seasons. The show portrayed the affluent lifestyle of the family, largely funded by the fraudulent loans that led to their convictions.

FAQs

What were Todd and Julie Chrisley convicted of?
The Chrisleys were convicted in 2022 of tax evasion and bank fraud after submitting false loan applications to defraud banks out of over $30 million and hiding income from the IRS.

Has their accountant also been pardoned?
As of now, Peter Tarantino, the couple’s accountant who was sentenced to three years in prison, has not received a presidential pardon.