Trump Plans to Pardon Reality TV Stars Julie and Todd Chrisley
The White House announced on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump intends to grant full pardons to reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley, the couple famous for their hit show "Chrisley Knows Best". According to a report by The Guardian, the show followed the tightly knit family and their extravagant lifestyle.
A jury in 2022 found the Chrisleys guilty of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30m in fraudulent loans. The couple was also found guilty of tax evasion. Prosecutors alleged that they had hidden their earnings while showcasing a luxurious lifestyle that included luxury cars, designer clothes, real estate, and travel.
In a statement on social media, the White House said that President Trump had called the Chrisley family to inform them that he would be granting them full pardons. The statement added: "Trump Knows Best!" As reported by The Guardian, the comment appeared to be a reference to the couple’s reality TV show.
The Chrisleys were sentenced to lengthy prison terms, with Julie Chrisley receiving seven years and Todd Chrisley receiving 12 years. The couple was also ordered to pay $17.8m in restitution. Prosecutors had alleged that Todd Chrisley had filed for bankruptcy, leaving behind more than $20m in unpaid loans.
The couple’s convictions were upheld by a three-judge panel of the 11th US circuit court of appeals last summer. However, the panel found a legal error in how the trial judge had calculated Julie Chrisley’s sentence, holding her accountable for the entire bank fraud scheme. The panel sent her case back to the lower court for resentencing, as The Guardian previously reported.
The decision to pardon the Chrisleys has raised questions about the use of presidential pardons and the scrutiny of reality TV stars. According to The Guardian, the White House has faced criticism for its handling of pardons, with some arguing that they are often used to reward friends and allies. The pardon of the Chrisleys is likely to add fuel to this debate.
The Guardian has reported that the Chrisleys’ reality TV show "Chrisley Knows Best" was a hit for the USA Network, showcasing the couple’s family life and luxurious lifestyle. However, their guilty verdicts in 2022 led to a significant backlash, with many fans expressing shock and disappointment. As The Guardian noted, the pardon of the Chrisleys is likely to be seen as a surprise by many, given their guilty verdicts and lengthy prison sentences.
The White House has confirmed that President Trump will grant full pardons to Julie and Todd Chrisley. As reported by The Guardian, this decision brings to a close a highly publicised and dramatic case that has captivated audiences across the United States.
Sources:
The Guardian – Trump plans to pardon reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley.
