Former President Donald Trump is expanding his list of controversial pardons, with reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley being the latest additions to receive clemency despite their conviction for significant financial crimes.
The announcement came during a direct call from Trump to the Chrisleys’ children from the Oval Office on Tuesday, where he informed them of his plans to pardon their parents as early as Wednesday. The couple, who gained fame through their reality show “Chrisley Knows Best,” had submitted their pardon requests to Trump in February.
According to MSNBC, the Chrisleys were found guilty of bilking banks out of tens of millions of dollars in 2022. Their conviction came after a lengthy federal trial in Georgia, where prosecutors presented substantial evidence leading to guilty verdicts on charges of fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
Trump’s recent pardons raise concerns over connection to political and financial ties
The timing of this pardon announcement follows other controversial clemency decisions by Trump, including the pardon of former Culpeper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins, who was convicted of accepting $75,000 in bribes for providing deputy badges to wealthy businessmen seeking special privileges.
President @realDonaldTrump said he plans to pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, the reality stars behind "Chrisley Knows Best," likely by Wednesday after they were found guilty of fraud and tax evasion in 2022. pic.twitter.com/P2fntwUKz4
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 27, 2025
Another recent controversial pardon involved Florida health care executive Paul Walczak, whose clemency was granted shortly after his mother attended a fundraising dinner at Mar-a-Lago with a $1 million per person entry fee, according to The New York Times.
While Trump is expected to justify the Chrisleys’ pardon by suggesting they were targeted for their conservative beliefs, evidence contradicts this narrative. The couple’s legal troubles began during Trump’s first term, with their initial indictment coming from federal prosecutors in 2019.
The pattern of Trump’s pardon decisions has raised questions about the use of presidential clemency powers. During his first term, Trump utilized his pardon authority to benefit political allies, undermine federal law enforcement, and extend favors to well-connected individuals. These recent pardons appear to continue this trend, despite potential political consequences as he maintains an active political career.
