Trump Suggests Pardoning Reality TV Star Family Members
In a recent development, US President Donald Trump has hinted at potentially pardoning the family members of a reality TV star, according to a video posted online by White House aide Margo Martin. The video shows Trump speaking on the phone with the Chrisley children.
During the phone call, Trump was quoted as saying, "Your parents are going to be free and clean and I hope we can do that by tomorrow,". He also added, "I don’t know them but give them my regards, and wish them a good life." This statement has sparked speculation about a possible presidential pardon for the family members of Savannah Chrisley, a podcaster and social media influencer.
Savannah Chrisley, who has appeared on several reality shows, including the popular USA Network series "Chrisley Knows Best", has been an outspoken supporter of Trump. She even campaigned for him, delivering a speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where she alleged that her parents had been persecuted by "rogue prosecutors" and that the US has a "two-faced justice system". According to the BBC, Chrisley’s parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion in 2022.
Savannah Chrisley has also appeared on Lara Trump’s Fox News programme, My View, broadcast on 18 May, where she was billed as a prison reform advocate. During the programme, she claimed that her parents had been prosecuted for their political beliefs and called their case "eerily similar" to the criminal charges that were lodged against President Trump. Chrisley stated, "Both prosecutors were Democrats, they have donated to Democratic candidates,". She also added, "At trial, we knew it was game over," (source: BBC).
The Chrisley family reality show, "Chrisley Knows Best", was broadcast on the USA Network starting in 2014 and inspired several spinoffs, including "According to Chrisley" and "Growing Up Chrisley". The show’s popularity led to a large following, and Savannah Chrisley’s advocacy for her parents has garnered significant attention.
This is not the first pardon Trump has suggested in recent days. On Monday, he granted a pardon to a former Virginia sheriff who was convicted on fraud and bribery charges. A jury found former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins guilty of accepting more than $75,000 (£55,000) in bribes last December, in exchange for making several businessmen into law enforcement officers without them being trained. Jenkins, a long-time supporter of Trump, was sentenced in March to 10 years in prison (according to the BBC).
The potential pardon of the Chrisley family members raises questions about the use of executive power and the fairness of the US justice system. As the BBC reports, Trump’s comments have sparked debate among lawyers and politicians, with some arguing that it could be seen as an abuse of power.
The development has also sparked interest in the case of Todd and Julie Chrisley, who have maintained their innocence despite being convicted of serious crimes. Their case has garnered significant attention, and the potential pardon has raised hopes among their supporters. However, it remains to be seen whether Trump will follow through on his suggestion and grant a pardon to the Chrisley family members.
In conclusion, Trump’s suggestion to pardon the Chrisley family members has sparked significant debate and interest. As the situation unfolds, it will be closely watched by those interested in US politics and the use of executive power. The BBC will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
