The couple had been serving time after being convicted of a massive fraud scheme, but were released Wednesday, according to their legal team at Litson PLLC.
The Chrisleys, once nicknamed the “Trumps of the South,” were convicted in 2022 for defrauding banks out of more than $36 million and later sentenced to a combined 19 years in federal prison. But despite their legal troubles, the couple still had powerful connections — and their daughter Savannah wasn’t about to let them serve their full time.
According to attorney Alex Little, Savannah had been pushing for a pardon since before Trump’s inauguration, even meeting with members of the Trump family. In the lead-up to their release, Little said he handed over a binder of court documents and testimonials to Trump’s pardon advisor Alice Johnson.
“President Trump feels very focused on the issue of criminal justice because he has been a focus of investigations that were directed at him,” Little told NBC News. “And he’s treated it differently because of that.”
When asked why Trump acted now, Little couldn’t say exactly, but the timing raised eyebrows. Trump has recently pardoned several controversial figures, including a sheriff convicted of bribery and a major campaign donor’s son found guilty of tax fraud. The Chrisleys appear to be part of a broader wave of high-profile pardons from the former president’s second term.
Savannah, who has been vocal about her parents’ situation, referred to Brett Tolman — a key Trump ally and former federal prosecutor — as “a lawyer of mine” in a July Republican National Convention speech. She argued her parents were targeted because of their fame and conservative beliefs, saying a prosecutor once called them “the Trumps of the South.”
“He meant it as an insult,” Savannah said, “but let me tell you, boy, do I wear that as a badge of honor.”
Trump officially signed their pardons Wednesday, just days after calling their son, Grayson Chrisley, with the news. “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean,” Trump told him. “Give them my regards and wish them well. Wish them a good life.” Grayson responded, “Mr. President, I just want to say thank you for bringing my parents back.”
Trump’s move adds the Chrisleys to a growing list of pardoned individuals tied to his political orbit or narrative of being unfairly targeted. Since returning to office, he’s granted thousands of pardons and commutations, including for those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
The Chrisleys had submitted a formal pardon request earlier this year. Their lawyer, Jay Surgent, said in February, “They believe that the president will seriously consider pardoning both Julie and Todd Chrisley as a result of the unfair treatment they received in the criminal justice system.”
Despite their past, it’s possible the Chrisleys may return to reality TV. But for now, attorney Alex Little says their focus is simple: “reuniting as a family and spending family time together.”