Just hours after a surprising presidential pardon was announced, Savannah Chrisley shared an emotional video detailing how she received the news — and what it means for her family moving forward.
On May 28, 2025, President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality series Chrisley Knows Best, who had been convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud. The announcement came via a post on X by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President, and quickly ignited debate online.
Calling the sentencing “pretty harsh treatment,” Trump personally phoned the Chrisley children to share the news. “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean,” he said.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields added that the president was “pleased to give well-deserving Americans a second chance, especially those unfairly targeted and overly prosecuted by an unjust justice system.” He confirmed Trump had personally called Savannah and her brother from the Oval Office.
BREAKING!
President Trump calls @_ItsSavannah_ to inform her that he will be granting full pardons to her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley!
Trump Knows Best! pic.twitter.com/j5WPMOOQ7L
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 27, 2025
Public response was sharply divided. One Facebook user wrote, “This is insanity,” while another praised the move: “The best thing he’s done in a while!! Welcome back Chrisleys!!” Some suggested ulterior motives, with one person alleging, “They paid him to pardon them cause he’s all about money.”
Others supported the decision cautiously. “Ok, now THIS is one thing I can get behind… as long as that man gets back up on our screens!” said one comment. Another noted, “The sentence was very extreme and the case was handled poorly by the judge.”
Savannah, wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, took to Instagram with tears in her eyes. “The President called me personally… and notified me that he was signing pardon paperwork for both of my parents,” she said. “So both my parents are coming home tonight or tomorrow.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, she added, “I will forever be grateful for President Trump, his administration, and everyone along the way.” She thanked her legal team and others who worked behind the scenes: “To the people who put in countless hours and effort and love for my family… thank you.”
The Chrisleys are now preparing for Todd and Julie’s return. “We’re putting clothes together for mom and dad, getting their room put together upstairs,” Savannah shared.
She also acknowledged those who had supported her family’s fight, especially political allies: “To all of the political figures… thank you.” Still in disbelief, she added, “It still doesn’t feel real. I’m freaking out.”
Savannah concluded her video with a vow of continued support for Trump and a commitment to advocate for others behind bars. “President Trump didn’t just commute their sentences, he gave them a full, unconditional pardon… I will stand next to [him] and continue fighting.”
The pardon follows months of legal efforts. In February 2025, NBC News reported the couple was seeking clemency. Their attorney, Jay Surgent, argued that Todd and Julie were victims of unfair treatment, citing constitutional rights violations — including an unwarranted warehouse search. Although a judge denied the suppression of related evidence, Surgent blamed the defense’s procedural missteps and promised a formal request would be filed with Trump’s legal team.
The Chrisleys gained fame through Chrisley Knows Best, which aired for ten seasons starting in 2014. They later appeared in Growing Up Chrisley with their children, Savannah and Chase.
Their legal troubles culminated on June 8, 2022, when they were convicted of defrauding banks of more than $30 million. The Department of Justice detailed how the couple submitted fake documents to secure loans, which funded a lavish lifestyle. FBI Agent Keri Garley remarked, “When you lie, cheat and steal, justice is blind to your fame, your fortune, and your position.”
Julie was also convicted of wire fraud and obstruction. The couple’s attorneys vowed to appeal, citing concern for their family’s well-being.
Before their federal trial, the Chrisleys settled a separate state-level tax case with Georgia, agreeing to pay just under $148,000 — and even receiving refunds for several years.
Despite those outcomes, the federal charges remained. But now, with a presidential pardon, the Chrisleys are officially free — a dramatic turn in a long legal saga.
