Todd and Julie Chrisley may recover millions paid in restitution after Donald Trump's pardon

Todd and Julie Chrisley may recover millions paid in restitution after Donald Trump's pardon
President Donald Trump pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley convicted of bank and tax fraud (Danielle Del Valle, Win McNamee/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Todd and Julie Chrisley’s legal saga has taken another dramatic turn, this time in their favor.

Following their full pardon by President Donald Trump earlier this week, the former reality TV stars may not only avoid serving the remainder of their prison sentences but could also see millions of dollars in restitution payments canceled or even returned, reports TMZ.

Todd and Julie Chrisley could recoup millions after Donald Trump’s pardon wipes out restitution orders

LAS VEGAS, NV - APRIL 02:  TV personalities Todd Chrisley (L) and Julie Chrisley attend the 52nd Aca
TV personalities Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley attend the 52nd Academy Of Country Music Awards at Toshiba Plaza on April 2, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

The couple, once stars of 'Chrisley Knows Best', were convicted in 2022 on charges of bank fraud and tax evasion and ordered to repay over $17 million in restitution. Although their legal team confirms they’ve paid a portion of that amount, federal law states that a presidential pardon nullifies any remaining unpaid restitution.

Even more surprisingly, if any payments were already made, the pardon could legally compel recipients to return those funds, but only if the specific language in the pardon mandates it. So far, that document has not been made public.

The Chrisleys’ legal team and supporters argue the couple’s convictions were politically motivated, pointing to alleged constitutional violations during the prosecution.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 14: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks he meets with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador in the Oval Office of the White House on April 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump and Bukele were expected to discuss a range of bilateral issues including the detention of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who has been held in a prison in El Salvador since March 15. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump speaks as he meets with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador in the Oval Office of the White House on April 14, 2025, in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Attorney Alex Little, representing the Chrisleys, stated, “President Trump recognized what we’ve argued from the beginning: Todd and Julie were targeted because of their conservative values and high profile. Their prosecution was tainted by multiple constitutional violations and political bias.”

Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, has also been vocal in defending her parents. Speaking at the Republican National Convention last year, she denounced the Georgia prosecutors who led the case and compared the treatment of her family to political persecution, even recalling a judge allegedly calling them “the Trumps of the South.”

Though appeals for lighter sentences were once denied, Trump’s sweeping pardon has restored their freedom and could restore their fortune too.

Savannah Chrisley breaks down as Donald Trump's pardon frees her parents


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Savannah Faith Chrisley (@savannahchrisley)


 

Savannah Chrisley couldn’t hold back her emotions after receiving a surprise phone call from President Donald Trump, who informed her that her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, had been granted full pardons.

In a phone call, Trump voiced his compassion for what her parents had been through. “Your parents were given a pretty harsh treatment,” he said. “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean. I hope we can do it by tomorrow... I don't know them, but give them my regards and wish them a good luck.”

The 27-year-old reality TV personality went live on Instagram shortly after the news broke, visibly shaken and tearful.



 

“I have shed so many tears,” Savannah told her followers. “The president called me personally as I was walking into Sam's Club and notified me that he was signing pardon paperwork for both of my parents. So, both my parents are coming home tonight or tomorrow. I still don't believe it's real. I'm freaking out.”

Savannah shared how much the moment meant to her after nearly three years of advocacy.

“For the past two and a half years, I’ve done everything in my power to fight for my parents’ freedom and bring them home,” she said. “This moment is the answer to countless prayers, and I am beyond grateful to President Trump for seeing the truth and restoring my family.”

Savannah also emphasized that the pardon wasn’t political favoritism. “This administration does not hand out favors,” she noted. “It examines the facts and stands up for what is right.”

Internet erupts as Todd and Julie Chrisley may recover millions post-Trump pardon

(L-R) Julie Chrisley, Savannah Chrisley, Chase Chrisley and Todd Chrisley from reality show, Chrisley Knows Best, attend the 17th annual Waiting for Wishes celebrity dinner at The Palm on April 24, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee.
(L-R) Julie Chrisley, Savannah Chrisley, Chase Chrisley and Todd Chrisley from reality show 'Chrisley Knows Best', attend the 17th annual Waiting for Wishes celebrity dinner at The Palm on April 24, 2018, in Nashville, Tennessee (Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for The Kevin Carter Foundation)

The internet is in uproar after news broke that Todd and Julie Chrisley, recently pardoned by Donald Trump, may be entitled to recover millions in restitution. The couple, previously convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion, are now not only free but could potentially reclaim funds tied to their case, prompting widespread backlash online.

“They are now free to grift and con everyone again much like Trump and entire family. What genuine ‘good’ people,” wrote one user.

Another commented, “Reclaiming money they stole?! Absolutely not. That’s disgraceful.”

Others pointed to racial and political privilege, with one user writing, “Only in America can Whites commit bank fraud and tax evasion and be gifted a pardon from the president.”

Speculation also swirled about Trump’s involvement, “So Trump will be receiving that restitution that has been paid. We ALL know he's getting paid one way or another!! I'M NO FOOL.”

“I think Trump will make an appearance on an episode or two. He seems to miss his reality show/actor gigs,” a user sarcastically lamented.

“And they will get another show and people will watch,” wrote another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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