How Julie Chrisley Reacted To Donald Trump's Pardon News

Yahoo

01-07-2025

It has been nearly a month since Todd and Julie Chrisley regained their freedom, but they still can't believe their luck.
The "Chrisley Knows Best" stars recently recounted their reactions to 's presidential pardon of their crimes after spending over two years behind bars.
Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty of bank fraud and tax evasion and received a combined 19-year sentence. They regained their freedom on May 27, 2025.
The Chrisley family recently sat down for their first joint interview since Todd and Julie's release from prison. Their conversation was captured in an upcoming episode of FOX News Channel's "My View With Lara Trump," with a teaser clip revealing the couple's reactions to Trump's pardon.
Julie told the president's daughter-in-law that she heard about the pardon through her daughter, Savannah. She recalled bursting into tears after hearing the news, noting she nervously hung up the phone as she tried to wrap her head around the update.
The matriarch wasn't the only one who had a hard time accepting the news, as her husband echoed similar sentiments. Todd believed the people in prison were teasing him about Trump's pardon until a correctional officer came to his cell to confirm the news, per TMZ.
Although Trump granted Todd and Julie full pardons for their crimes, the couple did not give the president all the credit for their release. The Chrisley family's head stressed that God had directed people to advocate for him and Julie.
Todd claimed he prayed every night to be reunited with his wife and children, and the Almighty granted his wish by leading Trump to pardon the couple's crimes. The Chrisleys are well-known for their faith and refused to be defeated during their journey to freedom.
Last September, The Blast shared that Julie faced an emotional trial in her attempt to gain a 24-hour furlough amid her resentencing appeal. She had apologized tearfully in court for her wrongdoings, noting the most challenging part of her ordeal was leaving her children.
Although Julie implored the court to return her to her young children, with her kids also sending letters to sway the judge, the legal umpire was unimpressed. The judge noted that she was concerned for Julie's children; however, their privileged lifestyle was another factor.
The judge explained that Julie could not "get a pass from criminal conduct" because of her status as a mother and determined that her 7-year sentence was sufficient to pay for her involvement in bank fraud and tax evasion.
The ruling broke the family's hearts, with one of Julie's attorneys, Jay Surgent, calling BS on the verdict. Surgent accused the judge of prejudice, claiming Julie's 24-hour furlough and resentencing appeal were denied because of her celebrity status.
The lawyer argued that the judge used his client as a scapegoat to warn others instead of considering the fact that Julie was not a danger to society.
Following Todd and Julie's release from prison in May, the couple, their daughter Savannah, and their legal team held a press conference in Nashville. The Blast covered the story, reporting that the family remained adamant about their innocence, especially Todd.
The TV personality doubled down on being wrongfully convicted while claiming his months behind bars had changed his perspective about the criminal justice system. He expressed his will to fight against the injustices that federal inmates experienced nationwide.
Additionally, Todd highlighted the poor conditions Black inmates were allegedly subjected to and vowed to expose the irregularities in the prison system. He also applauded Savannah's efforts in securing his and Julie's freedom and thanked those who stood by them.
The Chrisleys were an emotional mess after Trump pardoned Todd and Julie, with The Blast sharing that Savannah did not fully accept reality.
A day after she and her brother Grayson had picked up their parents from their respective holding facilities in Florida and Kentucky, the media personality told the press about her stunned reaction to the news. Savannah described the situation as a miracle, saying:
"It's still just kind of ... it doesn't feel real. We were going to bed last night. We're like, 'Is this real?' And then, I wake up this morning and my mom's walking into my bedroom and I'm like, it's absolutely insane!"
The "Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley" podcast host noted her family was still adjusting to the change and regaining their usual dynamic. However, their lost rhythm did not impact their love for each other, and Savannah believed her parents would open up about their feelings in time.
Are the Chrisleys finally having their happily-ever-after?