Donald Trump pardons controversial reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley after being convicted of defrauding banks of $46m
President Donald Trump has pardoned controversial reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were previously found guilty of defrauding banks of $30 million ($A46.5 million).
The Chrisley family rose to fame on the hit show Chrisley Knows Best, which aired between 2014 and 2023. The pair were sentenced to lengthy prison terms in 2022, on a set of charges, including several tax crimes.
Their daughter, Savannah, had been calling for their release, after becoming the sole guardian of her siblings Grayson, 19, and 12-year-old Chloe.
Savannah claims her parents have been unable to speak to each other since their incarceration and have been suffering harsh treatment while in confinement.
The Chrisley family has been dubbed the Trumps of the South.
Julie had been serving her prison term at the federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky until January 2028. Meanwhile, Todd was serving time at the FPC Pensacola until April 2032.
In a clip posted to X, Trump personally called Savannah to let her know about the pardon.
'It's a terrible thing but it's a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean,' Trump said on the call, which was posted to social media by a White House aide.
An overwhelmed Savannah replied: 'Thank you so much, Mr President!'
Savannah then introduced her brother, Grayson, who was equally appreciative.
'Mr President, I just want to say thank you for bringing my parents back,' he said.
Trump replied: 'Yeah, well they were given pretty harsh treatment, based on what I'm hearing.'
A tearful Savannah later told US People magazine she was overjoyed at their release.
'Both my parents are coming home,' Savannah said.
'I could not be more grateful.'
Chrisley said she was immediately going to get fresh, clean clothes ready.
'I'm just speechless,' she said.
'I just can't thank you guys enough for sticking with my family and loving us and supporting us ... It still doesn't feel real. It doesn't. I'm freaking out, so I'm going to go and prepare to pick up my parents. My parents get to start their lives over!'
'It's time to go get mom (sic) and dad.'
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