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.”

From a more personal perspective, one expressed, “From someone who has been to prison…. This isn’t right…. They should have to serve their time just like everyone else.”

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!”

Another supported the action, mentioning, “The sentence was very extreme and the case was handled poorly by the judge. I think this is a great decision.”

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 expressed gratitude for the supporters who stood by her family over the years. She also gave credit to various political allies, saying, “To all of the political figures I have come in contact with over the past two and a half years that believed in me and believed in my family, thank you.”

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.”

“President Trump didn’t just commute their sentences, he gave them a full, unconditional pardon. So for that, I am forever grateful.” Savannah concluded her message with a vow, “I will stand next to [Trump] and [his] administration and to stand up to the corruption and to continue fighting for the men and women that are in prison.”

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.

Although the trial judge refused to suppress the related evidence, Jay attributed the decision to procedural mistakes by the defense team. He also noted that the official pardon request would be submitted to Donald Trump’s legal counsel within two to four months.

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 U.S. Constitution grants the President broad authority to issue pardons, including full and unconditional clemency. This power extends to all federal offenses, excluding cases of impeachment.

In the 1886 Supreme Court case Ex parte Garland, the Court affirmed that the president’s pardon power can be exercised “either before legal proceedings are taken, or during their pendency, or after conviction and judgment.”

Todd and Julie were convicted on federal charges, making them eligible for presidential clemency. Legal precedent allows the President to “forgive” a convicted individual, reduce a sentence, or remove it entirely. The authority is constitutionally unrestricted for federal crimes, and does not extend to state-level offenses or civil matters.

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.

The verdict was announced by the U.S. Department of Justice and involved multiple charges stemming from financial misconduct.

According to U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia, the Chrisleys — along with their accountant Peter Tarantino — were also convicted of several tax-related crimes, including attempts to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.

Special Agent Keri Garley of the FBI Atlanta stated, “As today’s outcome shows, when you lie, cheat and steal, justice is blind as to your fame, your fortune, and your position.”

Agent Keri added, “In the end, when driven by greed, the verdict of guilty on all counts for these three defendants proves once again that financial crimes do not pay.”

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.

Following the guilty verdict, sentencing was initially scheduled for October 6. Todd’s attorney, Bruce Morris, expressed disappointment in the outcome and confirmed plans to appeal.

Julie’s attorney, Stephen Friedberg, echoed that sentiment, “They remain strong in their faith and are deeply concerned for all of their children, as well as Todd’s mother, Elizabeth Faye. They are looking forward to continue the fight until justice is obtained and they are ultimately vindicated.”

Prior to their federal trial, the Chrisleys faced separate charges from the Georgia Department of Revenue. Those state-level allegations accused them of evading nearly $2 million in taxes between 2008 and 2016.

However, according to a settlement reached in October 2019 and reported by 11Alive, the couple ultimately agreed to pay $147,944.75 to resolve the state case.

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.

Todd responded to the state settlement through a statement issued by his attorney, “Julie and I knew all along that we had done nothing wrong and that when the facts all came out, we would be fine. We’re just glad that the Department of Revenue was willing to keep an open mind and look at all the evidence.”

Despite resolving the state tax case, the federal charges remained a significant legal hurdle. The 12-count federal indictment, filed in August before the conviction, accused the couple of tax evasion, conspiracy, bank fraud, and wire fraud. The Chrisleys pleaded not guilty and consistently maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings.