Trump pardon reality stars Todd, Julie Chrisley

In a surprising development, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted in 2022 for bank fraud and tax evasion.

The couple, stars of the show Chrisley Knows Best, have been serving prison sentences for the past two years.

The announcement came through a phone call between Trump and Savannah Chrisley, daughter of the embattled reality stars. A video of the call, shared on X by White House adviser Margo Martin, captured Trump assuring Savannah, a known supporter of the former president, that her parents “are going to be free and clean,” with hopes of completing the pardon process by the next day.

Trump remarked during the conversation, “They were given a pretty harsh treatment based on what I am hearing.”

This decision is the latest in a string of controversial pardons by the former president, known for granting clemency to his political allies and supporters. Earlier in his presidency, Trump issued a blanket pardon for those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, which drew widespread criticism.

The sentiment behind these pardons was reinforced by Ed Martin, Trump’s pardon attorney, who posted on X: “No MAGA left behind,” referring to the Trump campaign’s Make America Great Again slogan.

This move comes even as Trump himself grapples with legal issues, having been convicted last year of falsifying business records to conceal a hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

The planned pardon of the Chrisleys is expected to draw significant public debate, further fueling discussions about the limits of presidential pardon powers and the recurring theme of political loyalty in Trump’s clemency decisions.