U.S. NEWS
In their first candid conversation since receiving presidential pardons and being released from federal prison, reality television personalities Todd and julie Chrisley sat down for an exclusive interview. The couple, known for their long-running show “Chrisley Knows Best,” opened up about their experiences behind bars, the emotional moments of their release, and their gratitude towards those they credit with their newfound freedom.
The interview, conducted by Lara Trump for Fox News, marked a significant public re-emergence for the Chrisleys after serving portions of sentences related to their 2022 convictions. The pair’s story captivated and divided audiences, presenting a stark contrast between their carefully curated on-screen image and the serious legal allegations they faced.
The Path to Pardon: From Conviction to Clemency
Todd and Julie Chrisley’s legal troubles culminated in a unanimous jury conviction in 2022. They were found guilty of multiple federal charges, including bank fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Federal prosecutors painted a picture vastly different from their reality TV persona, alleging the couple engaged in fraudulent activities dating back to before their rise to fame, ultimately defrauding banks out of over $36 million to fund a lavish lifestyle in Atlanta.
Following their conviction, Todd was initially sentenced to 12 years in prison, and Julie received a seven-year sentence. Both sentences were later reduced by approximately two years each in September 2023. They pursued appeals, though only Todd’s was initially upheld; Julie’s appeal was granted on evidentiary grounds but her original sentence was ultimately reaffirmed.
savannah Chrisley’s Tireless Advocacy
A driving force behind their eventual release was their daughter, Savannah Chrisley. She spearheaded a highly public campaign advocating for her parents’ freedom. During the interview and in previous statements, Todd and Julie Chrisley have unequivocally credited Savannah’s persistent efforts with securing their pardons.
Savannah’s advocacy included delivering a speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention supporting President Trump and taking on a role as a Senior Fellow for the Nolan Center for Criminal Justice at CPAC, focusing on prison reform. Her parents emphasized that they believed they would not be free without her tireless work and vocal support throughout their legal battles and incarceration.
The Controversial Trump Connection
The Chrisleys formally requested a pardon in February 2025, a period when Donald Trump was back in the White House following the 2024 election. Notably, their attorney stated they did not seek a pardon from President Joe Biden, alleging they were victims of a “weaponized Biden Justice Department.”
In the interview, the family made it clear they believe President Trump’s victory in the 2024 election was directly tied to their release. Savannah shared that upon seeing Trump win, she and her younger brother Grayson “both started sobbing” because they “knew that was our only way out.” Todd echoed this sentiment, relaying that inmates at his facility also felt a sense of hope upon hearing the election results, believing a Trump presidency could offer a path to freedom for many.
First Moments of Freedom: Inside the Exclusive Interview
Joining Todd and Julie in their interview with Lara Trump were their children, Savannah and Grayson, offering a family perspective on their ordeal and release. The conversation provided insight into the emotional impact of their experience and the relief brought by the pardons.
Hearing the News: Wildly Different Reactions
Todd and Julie described the surreal moments they learned about their pardons while still incarcerated. Julie, held at a facility in Kentucky, received the news via phone call from Savannah. She recalled Savannah exclaiming, “He did it! He signed it!” Overwhelmed, Julie “just started busting out crying” but was so nervous she immediately hung up. She shared the experience of telling fellow inmates, “I’m getting out of here!” The news was particularly impactful, as she noted, most communication in prison brings negative tidings.
Todd, incarcerated at a facility in Florida, initially heard the news from another inmate, which he didn’t believe. The information was confirmed when a correctional officer came to his dorm to check on him. Todd recalled the officer asking if he was okay, to which he replied, “As good as I can be!” The officer then delivered the official confirmation: “Todd, you just got pardoned. They sent me down here to make sure you’re OK.” Todd’s reaction was immediate relief and joy, stating, “Well hell if I’m pardoned they don’t have to be worried about me, I’m great!”
Gratitude Towards God and Trump
Both Todd and Julie expressed profound gratitude for their release, attributing it to divine intervention and President Trump’s actions. Todd stated, “We owe thanks to God… and God touched President Trump’s heart.” He shared that he prayed nightly to be returned home to his wife and children, feeling that God answered those prayers.
Savannah added that while her parents hadn’t spoken directly to President Trump since their release, her father had briefly spoken to him via FaceTime during the call where she received the pardon news from Trump’s special assistant, Margo Martin. Todd recalled telling Trump, “Thank you, you reunited me with my family.”
Family Voices Offer Perspective
The interview wasn’t just about Todd and Julie. Savannah and Grayson also shared their experiences and feelings. Savannah’s candid admission that they saw Trump’s election as their “only way out” highlighted the family’s political perspective and belief in the impact of clemency. Grayson commented on the relief of no longer having to “hide their political views,” underscoring the family’s strong support for Trump. Todd and Julie credited Savannah specifically with their freedom, noting the difficulty of adequately thanking someone for such a gift.
Beyond the Interview: Contrasting Personas and Legal Claims
The Chrisleys rose to prominence portraying themselves as hardworking, successful, “Jesus-loving” real estate moguls on “Chrisley Knows Best,” which premiered in 2014. This public image sharply contrasted with the narrative presented by federal prosecutors during their trial.
Reality vs. Reality: The Show’s Image vs. Prosecution Claims
Prosecutors argued the Chrisleys were adept swindlers who began defrauding banks long before becoming reality television stars. They contended the couple used fraudulent loan applications to obtain millions, spending the ill-gotten gains to fuel the very lavish lifestyle they showcased on television. The prosecution alleged the Chrisleys actively hid their income and evaded taxes, ultimately bilking banks and the IRS. This fundamental conflict between their public persona and the legal findings remains central to their story.
Persistent Defense: Arguing a Flawed Trial
Todd and Julie Chrisley have consistently maintained their innocence following their conviction. Their legal team has argued that their trial was significantly flawed, citing issues such as alleged illegal searches, unreliable testimony presented by the prosecution, and claims of biased prosecution tactics. Their clemency petition reportedly raised specific legal arguments concerning alleged violations of the Fourth Amendment and failures by the prosecution to disclose potentially exculpatory evidence (known as Brady violations). While the pardons granted their release, the Chrisleys’ legal team continues to pursue avenues to clear their names fully.
Life After Lockup: Future Plans and Public Return
Following their release on May 28, 2025, Todd and Julie Chrisley are quickly planning their return to the public eye. The Fox News interview is just the first step in what appears to be a strategic re-emergence.
Back to the Screen? New Reality Projects
Even before the pardons were announced, Lifetime confirmed a new Chrisley reality series, tentatively titled “The Untitled Chrisleys Project.” The network described the show as offering “unprecedented access” and promising a “deeply personal and dramatic” look at their lives. Reports indicate the series will cover their trial, their experiences, and even include footage of Todd and Julie’s emotional reunion after their release. They also plan to appear on an ABC News Studios’ special titled ‘The Chrisleys: Life After Lockup,’ further detailing their post-prison experiences. Todd and Savannah have stated the new show will allow them to “set the record straight” and share documentation related to their case.
Finding Their Voice Again: Podcasts and Platforms
Todd and Julie also intend to relaunch their popular podcast, ‘Chrisley Confessions,’ which went on hiatus during their incarceration. This platform will allow them to speak directly to their audience and share their perspectives on their legal challenges and time in prison. Savannah Chrisley has confirmed her parents will also appear on her own podcast, ‘Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley,’ where Todd has already made appearances discussing prison conditions. These podcast ventures offer a less filtered environment for the Chrisleys to share their story compared to traditional television interviews.
Advocating for Change: Lessons Learned
Drawing from their time in prison, Todd and Julie have expressed a commitment to advocating for others who are incarcerated. While their specific focus is still emerging, their experience appears to have fueled a desire to highlight issues within the U.S. prison system, echoing some of the work their daughter Savannah has already undertaken in criminal justice reform.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Todd and Julie Chrisley convicted of?
Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted in 2022 by a federal jury on multiple charges including bank fraud, wire fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Prosecutors alleged they used fraudulent methods to obtain millions in bank loans starting before their reality show fame, and also engaged in tax evasion, using the illicit funds to support their public lifestyle.
How did Todd and Julie Chrisley get pardoned?
Todd and Julie Chrisley received full presidential pardons from President Donald Trump on May 27, 2025. Their release from prison occurred the following day. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, led a public campaign advocating for their release, and the family has credited her efforts and President Trump’s action for securing their freedom. They formally requested the pardon in February 2025.
What are Todd and Julie Chrisley’s plans after prison?
Following their release and interview, Todd and Julie Chrisley are planning a return to the public eye. They are set to appear in a new reality series on Lifetime, which will cover their recent experiences, and also an ABC News special. They plan to relaunch their podcast ‘Chrisley Confessions’ and appear on their daughter Savannah’s podcast. They have also expressed an intention to advocate for others in the prison system based on their experiences.
Looking Ahead
Todd and Julie Chrisley’s journey through conviction, incarceration, and now a presidential pardon is a complex narrative touching on celebrity, law, politics, and family. Their first interview signals a deliberate move back into the public sphere, leveraging existing platforms and launching new projects to share their story on their own terms. As they navigate life after lockup, the Chrisleys appear determined to address the controversies of their past while forging a new path that includes both returning to reality television and advocating for criminal justice issues. Their future in the spotlight, much like their past, is likely to remain a subject of significant public interest and debate.
