Trump criticized for pardoning reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley
President Donald Trump's decision to pardon reality television stars Todd and Julie Chrisley has sparked backlash from critics who blasted his use of clemency to benefit celebrities and wealthy donors. The former stars of 'Chrisley Knows Best' were convicted in 2022 for orchestrating a $30 million bank fraud and tax evasion scheme and have been serving multi-year prison terms. Julie was sentenced to serve in Kentucky until 2028, and Todd in Florida until 2032.
But on Tuesday, Trump personally called their daughter, Savannah Chrisley (pictured), from the Oval Office to inform her of his bombshell decision. The made-for-TV moment was broadcast on social media by Trump aide Margo Martin who celebrated the criminals' release with the caption, 'Trump Knows Best.' 'It's a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean,' a smiling Trump said during the phone call with Savannah.
One former reality TV star, however, was incensed by the decision as Joe Exotic of 'Tiger King' said he should have been next on the pardon list. 'I guess being innocent is not enough in America,' the feline lover raged on X. But Savannah Chrisley made inroads by kissing the presidential ring. She had become a fixture in MAGA circles and pushed for a pardon at CPAC, the RNC, and even the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The move quickly drew backlash from legal experts, political observers, and members of the public who accused Trump of politicizing the pardon process and undermining the rule of law.
The incarcerated 62-year-old vented to his 1M social media followers via X. 'They all admitted to perjury on world television but yet I'm left to die of [prostate] cancer before I can get any help,' he wrote. 'Why is it the entire world can see the evidence but the White House refuses to acknowledge that they did this to me knowing that they were lying?' Joe is currently serving his fifth year of a 21-year sentence at FMC Forth Worth Federal Medical Center in Texas. Maldonado was notoriously arrested in 2018 for paying two hitmen (one of whom was an undercover FBI agent) $3K and $10K to murder his nemesis, Big Cat Rescue founder Carole Baskin.
The former roadside zoo owner was also convicted on eight violations of the Lacey Act by falsifying wildlife records, and nine violations of the Endangered Species Act by killing five tigers and selling tigers across state lines. Despite this, Joe has repeatedly stressed that he 'did not hurt anyone,' 'did not pay anyone,' and 'had no plans to hurt anyone.' Maldonado continues to claim his case was riddled with entrapment, coerced testimonies, perjury confessions, and collusion between federal agencies. Others online were deeply critical of Trump's use of the presidential pardon.
Many wasted no time in torching the decision painting it as yet another example of Trump using the pardon as a tool of political theater and cronyism. 'Pardons are meant for innocent people,' wrote @odinikaeze. 'But for whatever reason, this orange clown pardons actual criminals.' 'He's turning the justice system into a spin-off show for cronies and crooks,' added @ConInsurgent. 'And it's a shame.' Other observers linked the pardon to a broader pattern of Trump's favoritism for celebrities and loyalists, often ignoring the substance of their convictions. 'This isn't just a one-off,' tweeted @JonathanWiltsh7. 'Trump has a history of using pardons to reward loyalty, curry favor, or grab headlines… The Chrisley pardons undermine faith in the rule of law.'
Some conservatives joined in the condemnation. One voter, @DrQED2, who claimed to have supported Trump, tweeted bluntly: 'I voted for Trump. I am VERY disappointed in him. Pardoned 2 criminals???????' Perhaps the most blistering response came from @CharlesPerreir7, who wrote: 'Crooks protect crooks. This is what corruption looks like: a con artist president handing out pardons like they're VIP passes to his swampy little crime syndicate. 'Meanwhile, regular people rot in jail for petty offenses, but rich, connected liars get a free pass. Spare me.'
Others took aim at the racial and class dynamics underlying the decision: 'Of course he did,' tweeted @ginar2008. 'They're rich and white, just like he likes it.' 'Trump is so easily flattered into doing things for (criminals) people,' @GilesBid91902 posted. 'That quality is the OPPOSITE of what you want in a leader.' 'Every time I think MAGA can't sink any lower,' wrote @JLM000, 'they scream 'Hold our beer.' The pardon of the Chrisleys is just the latest in a growing list of clemency decisions Trump has handed down in his second term - many benefiting campaign allies, MAGA loyalists, and wealthy supporters. Earlier this week he pardoned Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff convicted in a cash-for-badges scheme, and Paul Walczak, whose mother reportedly raised millions for Trump's campaign.
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