Just hours after the U.S. President issued a surprise presidential pardon, Savannah Chrisley broke her silence with an emotional video revealing how the news reached her — and what comes next for her family.
Donald Trump has officially granted a full presidential pardon to reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of “Chrisley Knows Best,” in their high-profile tax evasion and bank fraud case.
The announcement was made public on May 28, 2025, by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor, through a post on X, sparking a buzz.
The president defended his decision by describing the couple’s sentencing as “pretty harsh treatment.” In a phone call to the couple’s children, he stated, “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean.”
Harrison Fields, a White House spokesperson, further elaborated on the decision in a statement released the same day. He explained that the president is “always pleased to give well-deserving Americans a second chance, especially those who have been unfairly targeted and overly prosecuted by an unjust justice system.”
Harrison added, “President Trump called Savannah and her brother from the Oval Office to personally inform them that he would be pardoning their parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, whose sentences were far too harsh.”
The pardoning has sparked intense reactions online, particularly on Facebook, where many expressed divided opinions.
One commenter wrote, “This is insanity.” Another stated, “The best thing he’s done in a while!! Welcome back Chrisleys [sic]!!” A third added, “He should, they could be doing more service outside of the cement wall [sic]!”
However, others strongly disagreed. One person said, “A president should not be allowed to interfere in the criminal justice system.”
Suspicion over the motive behind the pardon was also raised. One commenter noted, “They paid him to pardon them cause he’s all about money.”
Others welcomed the decision with conditions. One person divulged, “Ok, now THIS is one thing I can get behind .. as long as that man gets back up on our screens!”
Hours after the official announcement that her parents had been pardoned, Savannah Chrisley took to Instagram to share her emotional response. The 27-year-old, wearing a white “Make America Great Again” hat, confirmed that the president personally called her to deliver the news while she was “walking into Sam’s Club.”
“I have shed so many tears,” Savannah said during the video. “The President called me personally… and notified me that he was signing pardon paperwork for both of my parents.” She added, “So, both my parents are coming home tonight or tomorrow.”
Clearly overwhelmed, Savannah expressed, “I will forever be grateful for President Trump, his administration, and everyone along the way.”
She also acknowledged the efforts of her legal team and others who worked behind the scenes. “To the people who put in countless hours and effort and love for my family to make sure my parents got home, thank you.”
The Chrisley family is preparing for Todd and Julie’s return, Savannah noted. “We’re putting clothes together for mom and dad, getting their room put together upstairs.”
Savannah became visibly emotional while reiterating her disbelief. “It still doesn’t feel real,” she admitted. “I’m freaking out. I am going to go prepare to pick up my parents, and I just can’t thank you guys enough. They’re coming home. My parents get to start their lives over.”
Savannah’s reaction followed months of public and legal efforts to secure clemency for Todd and Julie. Back in February 2025, NBC News reported that the couple had sought a presidential pardon.
Their attorney, Jay Surgent, stated, “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.”
According to Jay, the legal team planned to argue that the couple’s constitutional rights had been violated during the investigation. This included concerns about a warehouse search conducted without a warrant.
The Chrisleys rose to fame through their reality series “Chrisley Knows Best,” which aired on USA Network for ten seasons starting in 2014. Their children, Savannah and Chase Chrisley, also starred in a spinoff series, “Growing Up Chrisley,” which ran for three seasons.
The emotional reactions and presidential pardon of Todd and Julie follow a complex legal history involving serious federal convictions. The couple’s legal troubles reached a turning point on June 8, 2022, when they were found guilty of conspiring to defraud banks of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans.
Julie was also found guilty of wire fraud and obstruction of justice. Evidence presented during the trial showed that before their fame, the couple submitted false bank statements, financial statements, and audit reports to obtain the fraudulent loans from community banks in the Atlanta area. The funds were allegedly used to purchase luxury cars, designer clothing, real estate, and finance extensive travel.
Interestingly, the settlement revealed that the Chrisleys had overpaid taxes in several years and were even entitled to a refund of more than $66,000 for tax years 2013 through 2016. The only year in which they owed money was 2009, for which they paid $214,118.
