“Well-deserving Americans”: Trump pardons convicted reality TV fraudsters Todd, Julie Chrisley

On Wednesday, Donald Trump granted official pardons to Todd and Julie Chrisley, releasing them from a combined 19-year prison sentence for tax evasion and fraud. The Chrisleys were the focus of the reality TV show “Chrisley Knows Best” on the USA Network for 10 seasons. In 2022, they were convicted of a 15-year fraud scheme involving misleading banks to secure millions in loans through falsified documents. Todd and Julie were sentenced to 12 and 7 years in prison, respectively, and ordered to pay $17 million in restitution. Trump’s pardons absolve the couple of their charges, with Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields stating that their sentences were overly severe. Trump personally informed the Chrisleys’ daughter, Savannah, of the pardon during a call from the Oval Office. Alongside the Chrisleys, Trump also shortened the sentence of Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover, who will be transferred out of federal prison after being convicted on state-level charges as well. Hoover’s attorney, Justin Moore, called for the State of Illinois to complete the legal process following the federal commutation.