Savannah Chrisley has said she was left “speechless” after President Donald Trump told her that he planned to pardon her parents, the reality TV stars Julie and Todd Chrisley.
Why It Matters
Trump’s decision to pardon the Chrisleys is the latest example of the president using his clemency powers. The president has long claimed the justice system is politicized and weaponized, and has been using his power to challenge verdicts he views as unjust.
His supporters say Trump’s moves are remedying miscarriages of justice. His critics argue it is executive overreach and a continuation of him casting doubt on the legitimacy of the justice system and advancing a broader narrative of persecution.
What To Know
“I have shed so many tears,” Chrisley said in a video posted to Instagram. She revealed that the president had called her personally to tell her the news.
“Both my parents are coming home tonight [Tuesday] or tomorrow, and I still don’t believe it’s real. I’m freaking out. The fact that the president called me. I will forever be grateful for President Trump, his administration, and everyone along the way,” she said.
“I’m just speechless. I can’t thank you guys enough for sticking with my family along the way and for loving us and supporting us.”
Julie and Todd Chrisley, who gained fame for starring on the reality TV show “Chrisley Knows Best,” were found guilty of various counts of tax evasion and bank fraud, and jailed for seven and 12 years, respectively, in 2022.
The Justice Department said that the Chrisleys conspired to submit false financial documents to banks in order to secure over $30 million in personal loans, which they used to fund their extravagant lifestyle.
In a video posted by a Trump aide on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday, the president can be seen calling Savannah Chrisley and telling her that he believed her parents had been given “pretty harsh treatment.”
“Just congratulate your parents, and I hear they’re terrific people. This should not have happened,” he added.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump said on the phone with Savannah Chrisley: “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow.”
Chase Chrisley, the Chrisley’s son, wrote on Instagram: “God is so good! Our rocks are back!! Thank you to Mr. President @realdonaldtrump @potus for making a remarkable decision and bringing our family back together!”
Harry Sisson, a Democratic-aligned political personality, wrote on X: “Trump just pardoned TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley who conspired to defraud Atlanta-area banks out of $30 million in fraudulent loans. In Trump’s America, crimes are celebrated and prison sentences are cut short. Actual insanity.”
What Happens Next
Trump said he hoped to release the Chrisleys as soon as possible, potentially as early as Wednesday.
The post Savannah Chrisley Reacts to Donald Trump Pardoning Parents appeared first on Newsweek.
