After serving approximately two years behind bars following convictions for bank fraud and tax evasion, reality television personalities Todd and julie chrisley are set to speak publicly for the first time about receiving a presidential pardon. The former “Chrisley Knows Best” stars were granted clemency by President Donald Trump in May 2024, leading to their early release from federal prison. This highly anticipated televised appearance marks a pivotal moment as they share their experiences and perspectives after months of relative silence, particularly from Julie.
Their upcoming interview promises to delve into the circumstances surrounding their convictions, the realities of prison life, the unexpected news of the pardon, and their adjustment to life back home in Nashville. Joined by their children, Savannah and Grayson, the Chrisleys aim to provide their side of the story and discuss their future plans. This exclusive sit-down is generating significant interest among followers of the family and those curious about the impact of a presidential pardon on high-profile individuals.
Who Are Todd and Julie Chrisley?
Todd and Julie Chrisley rose to national fame through their USA Network reality show, “Chrisley Knows Best.” The series, which premiered in 2014 and ran for ten seasons until 2023, showcased the seemingly opulent lifestyle and often dramatic family dynamics of the Chrisley family, initially based in Atlanta, Georgia, before relocating to Nashville, Tennessee. Todd Chrisley, portraying himself as a self-made millionaire primarily through real estate, became known for his flamboyant personality and strict parenting style. Julie Chrisley, his second wife, was depicted as the family matriarch. The show’s popularity led to spin-offs like “Growing Up Chrisley.” However, their on-screen wealth and perfect image began to unravel as legal troubles mounted, eventually overshadowing their television careers.
The Conviction and Time Behind Bars
In 2019, Todd and Julie Chrisley were indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. Prosecutors alleged that the couple had engaged in a years-long scheme to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million using fabricated documents to secure loans. They were also accused of evading nearly $2 million in state taxes and hiding income from the IRS.
Despite maintaining their innocence and blaming a former employee, the couple was found guilty on all counts after a three-week trial in June 2022. The verdict was seen by authorities as proof that “justice is blind” regardless of “fame, your fortune, and your position.” In November 2022, Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison, while Julie Chrisley received a seven-year sentence. They were also ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution.
They began serving their sentences in January 2023 at separate facilities; Todd was incarcerated at FPC Pensacola in Florida, and Julie was sent to FMC Lexington in Kentucky. Their separation was reportedly difficult, with daughter Savannah Chrisley noting they had no contact during their time inside. While their original sentences were later reduced on appeal in September 2023 (Todd to 10 years, Julie to 5 years), their time served ultimately amounted to approximately 28 months before the presidential pardon.
The Unexpected Road to a Presidential Pardon
The Chrisley family, particularly Savannah Chrisley, became vocal advocates for prison reform and their parents’ release following the convictions. Savannah publicly campaigned, highlighting alleged mistreatment of her father in prison and raising concerns about the conditions and the justice system. She alleged retaliation against her father for speaking out about issues like unsanitary conditions and attempts at extortion.
The Chrisleys also have known political connections. Savannah Chrisley has been a supporter of former President Donald Trump and spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention. It was reportedly this connection that played a direct role in securing the pardon. According to reports, President Trump personally called Savannah on May 27, 2024, the day before issuing the formal pardon, to inform her of his decision. In a video shared by his administration, Trump was quoted telling Savannah that her parents would be “free and clean.”
The swift action came as a surprise to many, occurring just over two years into their sentences. The couple’s attorney, Alex Little, released a statement asserting that the pardon “corrects a deep injustice” and reunited “two devoted parents to their family.” The statement also echoed the defense’s earlier claims that Todd and Julie were “targeted because of their conservative values and high profile,” a sentiment the Chrisleys themselves have expressed.
Learning the News: Moments of Disbelief and Relief
The moment Todd and Julie Chrisley learned they had been granted a presidential pardon unfolded differently for each of them while still incarcerated.
Julie Chrisley shared her emotional reaction during the upcoming interview, an excerpt of which was released. She described being told by another inmate that her name was on the news. Positive news in prison is rare, leading to initial confusion. When she finally connected with her daughter Savannah by phone, Savannah confirmed the life-changing news, exclaiming, “He did it! He signed it!” Julie recounted that she “just started busting out crying.” Other inmates, concerned, asked if she was alright. Her response, filled with overwhelming relief, was, “I am. I’m getting out of here. I’m getting out of here.”
Todd Chrisley’s experience was slightly different. While leaving the prison library, an inmate stopped him with the news, which Todd initially found hard to believe. The confirmation came from an official source when a corrections officer approached him specifically to verify the information and check on his well-being. Todd recalled the officer asking if he was “good,” to which he replied he was “as good as I can be.” The officer then clarified, “Todd, you just got pardoned. They sent me down here to make sure you’re OK.” Todd stated his mood shifted instantly upon hearing the confirmed news: “Hell, if I’m pardoned, I’m great!” Both accounts highlight the profound impact of the unexpected clemency.
The Exclusive Interview and What to Expect
Todd and Julie Chrisley’s first joint television interview since their release is scheduled to air on Saturday, June 28, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET on Fox News Channel. The appearance will be featured on “My View with Lara Trump,” a show hosted by former President Trump’s daughter-in-law.
The interview is expected to cover a wide range of topics. The Chrisleys will undoubtedly discuss their time in prison, the challenges they faced, and their emotional journey. A key focus will be the pardon itself – how they received the news, their reaction, and their thoughts on the President’s decision. They are also slated to discuss their plans for the future, offering viewers a glimpse into their lives post-incarceration and post-pardon.
Joining Todd and Julie will be two of their children, 27-year-old Savannah Chrisley and 19-year-old Grayson Chrisley. Savannah’s inclusion is significant given her extensive public advocacy for her parents and her previous appearance on Lara Trump’s program just weeks before the pardons were granted. The family unit appearing together underscores their shared experience and desire to address the public collectively.
Life After Lockup and Future Ventures
Since their release in May 2024, Todd and Julie Chrisley have been adjusting to life back home in Nashville. While Todd held a press conference shortly after his release, where he thanked God and Savannah and continued to assert his innocence, Julie largely remained out of the public eye until this planned interview. Her absence from the press conference was reportedly due to staying home with their adopted granddaughter, Chloe, whom they have custody of alongside Grayson.
The family is not shying away from the spotlight entirely. Savannah Chrisley has confirmed that cameras are already rolling for a new reality television series centered around their lives following the pardon and their return home. This new show is intended to document their transition, address their legal issues, share their perspective on the trial and incarceration, and “set the record straight.” Filming reportedly began the very night Todd and Julie returned home.
This upcoming interview and the new reality project indicate the Chrisleys’ intent to re-engage with the public and control the narrative surrounding their legal troubles, prison time, and the controversial presidential pardon. They aim to leverage their reality TV background to share their story directly with viewers.
Addressing the Pardon and Moving Forward
The presidential pardon granted to Todd and Julie Chrisley has been a significant point of discussion. Their attorney characterized it as correcting an injustice, echoing the family’s claims of being targeted. Todd Chrisley, even after receiving the pardon, has publicly stated that he still believes he was convicted of something he didn’t do, emphasizing that the pardon doesn’t change the conviction itself but restores their freedom and civil rights.
Both Todd and Julie have expressed immense gratitude for their release. Todd has specifically thanked God and President Trump, suggesting divine intervention influenced the decision. Julie’s emotional reaction upon hearing the news highlights the profound relief felt after serving time under difficult circumstances.
While their past legal issues and convictions remain part of their history, the pardon allows them to move forward without the constraint of long prison sentences. Their upcoming interview is their chosen platform to address the complexities of their situation, share their truth as they see it, and potentially garner public support as they embark on their next chapter, including their return to reality television.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Todd and Julie Chrisley get pardoned by President Trump?
Todd and Julie Chrisley received a presidential pardon from President Donald Trump on May 28, 2024. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, had actively campaigned for their release and for broader prison reform. Savannah reportedly had a direct connection to the President and stated that Trump called her the day before the pardon was issued to inform her of his decision. The Chrisleys’ attorney also suggested they were targeted due to their high profile and conservative views.
Where and when can I watch Todd and Julie Chrisley’s first interview?
Todd and Julie Chrisley’s first televised interview since receiving the pardon will air on Fox News Channel. They are scheduled to appear on the program “My View with Lara Trump” on Saturday, June 28, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET. The interview will also feature their children, Savannah and Grayson Chrisley.
What have Todd and Julie Chrisley said about their future plans after prison and the pardon?
Following their release and the presidential pardon, Todd and Julie Chrisley plan to share their experiences and future plans publicly. They are appearing on the Lara Trump interview to discuss their perspective. Additionally, their daughter Savannah Chrisley has confirmed that the family is already filming a new reality television series. This show will reportedly document their lives post-pardon, address their legal journey, and allow them to tell their story from their point of view.
Conclusion
The impending television interview featuring Todd and Julie Chrisley represents their formal return to the public conversation following their prison sentences and subsequent presidential pardon. After navigating complex legal battles, convictions, and time served in separate federal facilities, the couple, along with their children, are poised to share their personal accounts of this tumultuous period. The interview on Fox News with Lara Trump provides a specific date and time for the public to hear directly from the Chrisleys about learning of their pardon, their experiences inside, and what the future holds as they look towards new ventures, including a return to reality television. This moment is highly anticipated by those who followed their legal saga and “Chrisley Knows Best.”