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Axios
6 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Trump pardons criminals with MAGA credentials or big money
Two reality stars, a MAGA-aligned sheriff and a former nursing home executive with a well-connected mother recently joined the list of President Trump 's clemency recipients. The big picture: Though early in his second term, Trump's pardons mark a continuation of his first-term trend of granting clemency to political loyalists. He's not the first president to pardon political allies, but his clemency actions signal strong messages about his priorities. His second-term clemency actions started with a controversial avalanche of pardons for Jan. 6 rioters and commutations for members of extremist groups the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers. Since then, several loyalists and wealthy allies have received relief for white-collar crimes. Driving the news: Trump said on Tuesday he plans to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley who were convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud in 2022. Savannah Chrisley, who has been advocating for her imprisoned parents' release, filmed an episode of "My View with Lara Trump" with the president's daughter-in-law that aired earlier this month, and spoke at the Republican National Convention last summer. Zoom out: Trump in April also pardoned Paul Walczak, a former nursing home executive who was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $4 million in restitution for tax crimes. Walczak's pardon has received particular scrutiny because of the political activity of his mother, Elizabeth Fago, a GOP donor who recently attended a $1-million-per-person fundraising dinner at Mar-a-Lago, the New York Times reported. And on Tuesday, Trump issued a pardon for a former Virginia sheriff, Scott Jenkins, whom a jury convicted on federal fraud and bribery charges last year. Trump wrote on Truth Social that Jenkins and his family had "been dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ" — a statement reminiscent of his own contention that the cases against him were politically motivated by a " weaponized" Justice Department. In his sentencing memorandum, Jenkins' attorneys wrote that he "adamantly maintains his innocence." Ed Martin, who Trump originally nominated to be D.C.'s top prosecutor but is now serving as Trump's pardon attorney, posted in a thread about Jenkins' pardon, "No MAGA left behind." Friction point: Martin's comment sends the message that the pardon power is being "totally and thoroughly politicized" Liz Oyer, the former DOJ pardon attorney, told PBS. The White House did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment. What they're saying: "One thing that is easy to see is, setting aside the January 6 clemencies, that there's really been a focus on grants to people who committed financial crimes," said Mark Osler, a law professor at the University of St. Thomas and a former federal prosecutor. Clemency trends within administrations are not uncommon, he noted, pointing to former President Obama's focus on clemency for drug-related charges. "But one thing that we do see is that this president uses clemency for message sending about policing, about the previous administration, about financial crimes, and that's message-sending in a way that is probably stronger than we've seen with previous presidents," he said. Flashback: During Trump's first term, he gave clemency to several allies, including former chief strategist Steve Bannon, former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Charles Kushner, the father of Trump's son-in-law and current U.S. ambassador to France. What we're watching: Trump has already signed dozens of pardons and commutations since taking office — on top of the 1,500-plus Jan. 6 defendants — which is toward the high end at the start of a presidency in recent decades. Catch up quick: Alice Marie Johnson, who was pardoned by Trump after having her life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense commuted under his first term, was appointed"pardon czar" in Trump's second White House. "I think that what a lot of people hope is that Alice Johnson, who received one of those worthwhile pardons in the first Trump administration, will be a forceful voice for everybody else — that is those who don't have access to the president at parties and other events," Osler said. He added, "I just have to hope that within the White House, there's someone who will be the advocate for those people, the ones who are not wealthy, but who really changed their lives."
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump to pardon 'Chrisley Knows Best' stars convicted of $36 million fraud
Donald Trump announced he will pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the American reality show Chrisley Knows Best, who are currently serving prison sentences for their role in a multi-million dollar fraud and tax evasion scheme. The couple, who found fame through their television show showcasing their lives as property tycoons in Nashville and Atlanta, were convicted in 2022 for defrauding banks out of more than $36 million and evading taxes. Todd Chrisley is serving a twelve-year sentence, while Julie Chrisley was given seven years. Their accountant, Peter Tarantino, received three years. In a video shared online by White House aide Margo Martin, the US president was seen speaking to the couple's children on the phone. 'Your parents are going to be free and clean and I hope we can do that by tomorrow,' Trump said. 'I don't know them but give them my regards, and wish them a good life.' The pardon comes just weeks after Savannah Chrisley, the couple's daughter and a vocal Trump supporter, appeared on My View, a Fox News programme hosted by Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. Savannah, who has rebranded herself as a prison reform advocate, claimed her parents were victims of political persecution, BBC reported. 'Both prosecutors were Democrats, they have donated to Democratic candidates,' she told Lara. 'At trial, we knew it was game over.' Savannah also compared her parents' case to the legal challenges currently facing Trump, suggesting both were targeted by what she described as a 'two-faced justice system'. Prosecutors argued that the Chrisleys had submitted fake documents to secure bank loans, which they then used to fund a lavish lifestyle that included luxury cars, designer clothing, and real estate. They later filed for bankruptcy and used a production company to hide earnings from their TV show, avoiding a $500,000 tax bill. This is the second pardon Trump has hinted at in recent days. On Monday, he pardoned former Virginia sheriff Scott Jenkins, who was convicted of accepting over $75,000 (£55,000) in bribes to appoint untrained businessmen as law enforcement officers. Jenkins, a long-time Trump ally, had been sentenced to 10 years behind bars. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Jenkins and his family had been 'dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ.'
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Who are Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley? Convicted TV stars Trump plans to pardon
Former President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he intends to pardon Chrisley Knows Best famed reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley. The family became famous for their lavish lifestyle, which was broadcast on their USA Network reality show. Chrisleys is currently serving lengthy prison sentences after being convicted on multiple counts of tax evasion and bank fraud. Trump shared the news in a phone call with the couple's daughter, Savannah Chrisley. 'It's a terrible thing, but it's a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean,' Trump told Savannah. ALSO READ| Trump pardons Chrisley Knows Best famed TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley following fraud and tax evasion conviction Margo Martin, one of Trump's top communications advisors, posted a video of the call on X. 'I hope we can do it by tomorrow.' The POTUS added, 'I don't know them, but give them my regards.' 'I hear they're terrific people, this should not have happened.' The Chrisleys rose to fame through their USA Network reality show, which mostly showcased their lavish lifestyle and family dynamic. In 2022, Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty by the U.S. Attorney's Office for Northern Georgia for scheming to obtain about $36 million in loans by lying to local community banks. The charges also involved planning to cheat the IRS of rightful taxes. US judge sentenced Todd to 12 years in federal prison and gave Julie a seven-year term. However, their daughter, Savannah, voiced for their parents' innocence. 'I'm going through the proper channels,' she told People Magazine in February. 'I'm going to bring as much awareness to it as possible because these things should not happen.' She also met with White House officials earlier this year and appeared at the Republican National Convention. ALSO READ| Trump grants pardon to tax fraudster after mother attended $1 million fundraiser Earlier this month, Savannah also appeared on My View, the Fox News show hosted by Lara Trump, the former president's daughter-in-law. Notably, Trump has granted several pardons since returning to the White House, and many of those are white-collar criminals.
USA Today
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Savannah Chrisley, seeking pardon for Todd and Julie Chrisley, films episode with Lara Trump
Savannah Chrisley, seeking pardon for Todd and Julie Chrisley, films episode with Lara Trump Who are Todd and Julie Chrisley? 'Chrisley Knows Best' stars were found guilty of defrauding banks out of $30 million. They're serving time in Kentucky and Florida. Show Caption Hide Caption Savannah Chrisley goes to White House Reality TV star Savannah Chrisley went to the White House to discuss freeing her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, who are in prison for tax evasion. Fox - 5 Atlanta Julie Chrisley is serving her prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Todd Chrisley, sentenced to 12 years, is serving time at FPC Pensacola in Florida. Savannah Chrisley filmed her episode of "My View with Lara Trump" in Palm Beach, Florida. Savannah Chrisley seeks a pardon for her parents from President Donald Trump. From a podcast to the president: Savannah Chrisley has used several platforms to discuss freeing her parents, reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who are in prison for tax evasion. For years, the couple portrayed themselves as real estate tycoons on their hit show "Chrisley Knows Best.' Years later, they had their assets frozen and were each convicted of bank fraud. 'Chrisley Knows Best' documented the Chrisleys' lavish lifestyle in Atlanta and Nashville. The show drew in more than 2 million viewers by its eighth season and inspired spinoffs such as "Growing Up Chrisley" and "According to Chrisley." But on Jan. 17, 2023, the Chrisleys traded their luxurious lifestyle for prison time, turning themselves in to their respective prisons. Prosecutors said the reality TV couple was driven by greed as they engaged in an extensive bank fraud scheme and then hid their wealth from tax authorities. Reality stars' prison release dates, from Julie and Todd Chrisley to a 'Real Housewives' star One of their biggest supporters? "Growing Up Chrisley" star Savannah Chrisley. Below is what we know about Savannah, Todd and Julie Chrisley, their prison sentences and plea for freedom amid tax evasion. Is Todd Chrisley still in jail? Who is Julie Chrisley? 'Chrisley Knows Best' reality show stars troubles It's been more than two years since Julie and Todd Chrisley began their prison sentences for bank fraud. But instead of the respective seven- and 12-year sentences, each has had their prison time slightly reduced. The Chrisleys gained fame on the USA Network reality show "Chrisley Knows Best." However, their image as savvy real estate tycoons was sullied in June 2022, when the pair was found guilty of tax evasion and defrauding community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans. Julie Chrisley, 52, is serving her prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, with an expected release date of Jan. 8, 2028, according to a May 21, 2025, Bureau of Prisons record check. Todd Chrisley is serving time at FPC Pensacola and is expected to be released April 7, 2032, more than two years before his original 12-year sentence was supposed to be up. Who is Savannah Chrisley? Which reality TV shows feature Savannah Chrisley? Savannah Chrisley is a reality TV star and daughter of embattled reality TV show parents Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley. Her parents are serving prison sentences after a jury found them guilty in 2022 of conspiring to defraud community banks, defraud the IRS and commit tax evasion. Savannah Chrisley is also known for her appearances in "The Masked Singer," "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test" and "Sharknado: The 4th Awakens." Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, the reality TV star lives in Tennessee, where, in addition to podcasting, she works in real estate. She won Miss Tennessee Teen USA in 2016 and placed in the Top 15 at Miss Teen USA 2016. During her appearance on "The Masked Singer" on Fox, she was revealed as the "Afghan Hound" on the "Wizard of US" night. She starred with her siblings, parents and niece on USA Network's hit "Chrisley Knows Best," which followed the family's life in Atlanta and later Nashville, Tennessee, for 10 seasons from 2014 through 2023. The reality show chronicled Todd and Julie Chrisley in their lives as real estate tycoons in the South. "Growing Up Chrisley," a spin-off featuring the couple's adult children, Chase and Savannah Chrisley, went on for four seasons after its 2019 premiere. Savannah Chrisley seeks Trump administration pardon to free Todd and Julie Chrisley from prison Watch: Savannah Chrisley's full 2024 RNC speech Reality TV star Savannah Chrisley delivers speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The daughter of Todd and Julie Chrisley has used her podcast and reality TV show appearances to shine a light on prison reform. The plea for their release has also reached the highest office in the land: Savannah Chrisley was a guest speaker at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in July 2024, ahead of the 2024 presidential election. In September 2024, Savannah Chrisley, her brother Chase Chrisley and the family attorney Alex Little attended a resentencing hearing in Atlanta, Georgia, for Julie Chrisley. Savannah Chrisley and Lara Trump, former co-chair of the RNC, is Donald Trump's daughter-in-law. Lara Trump and Savannah Chrisley campaigned on his behalf as part of the Team Trump's Women Tour in fall 2024. After the election, Savannah Chrisley appealed to the Trump administration for Todd and Julie Chrisley's pardon. She visited the White House in February 2025, just over a month after Inauguration Day (Jan. 20, 2025). In May 2025, Savannah Chrisley appeared on "My View with Lara Trump" on Fox News. When did Savannah Chrisley episode of 'My View with Lara Trump' air on Fox News? Savannah Chrisley, the daughter of Todd and Julie Chrisley of "Chrisley Knows Best," will appear on "My View with Lara Trump," which airs at 9 p.m. ET Saturdays on Fox News. "My View with Lara Trump" made its debut Feb. 22, 2025. The "Savannah Chrisley" episode aired May 17, 2025. In Lara Trump's Instagram post, she tags "My View" and Savannah Chrisley, with the caption, the "former TV star, a podcast host, and now a criminal justice reform advocate and guardian to her two young siblings while her parents, Todd and Julie, remain behind bars." She joins Lara Trump "to share her story." (This story was updated to add new information.) Contributing: Joyce Orlando, Tennesseean, and Jay Stahl, USA TODAY Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.
CNBC
27-05-2025
- Politics
- CNBC
Trump to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted of fraud and tax evasion
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he will pardon reality television stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud, and sentenced to several years behind bars. "It's a terrible thing, but it's a great thing because your parents are going to be free and clean," Trump said on a phone call with the couple's daughter, Savannah Chrisley. "I hope we can do it by tomorrow," he added, according to a video posted on X by special assistant to the president and communications advisor Margo Martin. "I don't know them, but give them my regards," Trump continued. Trump has granted a number of high-profile, controversial pardons since returning to the White House, including for individuals convicted of white-collar crimes. Todd and Julie Chrisley, known for their series "Chrisley Knows Best," were found guilty in 2022 for conspiring to defraud Atlanta-area community banks to get more than $36 million in personal loans, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Georgia. They also "conspired to defraud the Internal Revenue Service," per the attorney's office. Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years. Savannah Chrisley, a reality television star, had been lobbying for a pardon for her parents, telling PEOPLE in February that she is "going through the proper channels." She had lunch at the White House in February, according to a post on Instagram. She also spoke at the Republican National Convention last year, when she criticized the prosecutors who brought her parents' case. Earlier this month, she appeared "My View," the TV talk show hosted by Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, on Fox News Channel.
