In a shocking move, President Donald Trump has announced plans to pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, the stars of the reality TV show “Chrisley Knows Best.”
The couple was convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion in 2022, and were sentenced to prison time and ordered to pay millions in restitution.
A Harsh Sentence?
According to Trump, the Chrisleys have been treated unfairly by the justice system.
“They’ve been given a pretty harsh treatment based on what I’m hearing,” he said in a call with the couple’s daughter, Savannah Chrisley.
The President’s decision to pardon the couple has sparked controversy, with some arguing that it’s a clear example of Trump using his power to help his friends and supporters.
The Chrisleys’ Troubled Past
So, what exactly did the Chrisleys do to land themselves in hot water? Prosecutors alleged that the couple submitted false documents to banks to secure over $30 million in loans, which they then used to fund their lavish lifestyle.
They were also accused of hiding their earnings from tax authorities, and were found guilty of tax evasion.
A Pattern of Pardons
This isn’t the first time Trump has used his pardon power to help a high-profile friend or supporter.
Just this week, he pardoned Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff who was convicted of fraud and bribery charges.
Trump has also pardoned other notable figures, including a Florida healthcare executive and a Nevada Republican.
The Chrisleys’ Attorney Speaks Out
The Chrisleys’ attorney, Alex Little, has praised Trump’s decision to pardon the couple, saying it “corrects a deep injustice and restores two devoted parents to their family and community.”
Little claimed that the Chrisleys were targeted because of their conservative values and high profile, and that their prosecution was “tainted by multiple constitutional violations and political bias.”
A Long and Winding Road
The Chrisleys’ journey to reality TV stardom was marked by controversy from the start.
Before they became household names, they submitted false documents to banks to secure fraudulent loans, which they then used to fund their lavish lifestyle.
The couple was accused of spending lavishly, then using new loans to pay off old ones.
What’s Next for the Chrisleys?
With their pardons imminent, the Chrisleys are set to be released from prison and will be able to rebuild their lives.
Their daughter, Savannah, has been a vocal supporter of her parents throughout their ordeal, and has spoken out about the “rogue prosecutors” who she claims targeted them because of their conservative beliefs.
With Trump’s pardon, the Chrisleys’ will be able to put their troubles behind them and start fresh.