Todd and Julie Chrisley were pardoned by former President Donald Trump after being convicted in 2022 of bank and tax fraud, including conspiring to defraud banks of over $30 million and evading taxes. They had been serving prison sentences—Todd with a 12-year sentence and Julie with 7 years. Their pardon was granted on the grounds argued by their legal team and supporters that the couple was subjected to political persecution due to their conservative views, with claims of government misconduct during their trial such as illegal raids, reliance on tainted evidence, and false testimony. Trump, in a phone call with their children, expressed that the Chrisleys received "pretty harsh treatment," and emphasized that although he did not know them personally, he wanted to give them a full pardon. Their daughter Savannah had publicly campaigned for their pardon, emphasizing their perceived persecution for their political beliefs. Critics, however, view the pardon as politically motivated favoritism given the Chrisleys' strong Trump support. The couple's conviction involved serious financial crimes, but their supporters argue the prosecution and trial were unfairly influenced by political bias.
