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In a surprise move, President Trump has announced that he will grant full pardons to reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who have been serving over two years in prison for funding their lavish lifestyle through tax evasion and bank fraud. The decision marks the latest move in Trump’s high-profile streak of pardoning supporters.
The Pardon of Reality TV Stars Todd and Julie Chrisley
In a surprise move, President Trump has announced that he will grant full pardons to reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who have been serving over two years in prison for funding their lavish lifestyle through tax evasion and bank fraud.
The couple, who rose to fame starring in the USA Network show ‘Chrisley Knows Best‘, portrayed themselves as successful real estate tycoons and self-made multimillionaires. However, they were eventually accused of using dishonest means to fund their luxurious lifestyle.
Prosecutors alleged that Todd and Julie conspired to defraud community banks in the Atlanta area, taking out over $36 million in personal loans. They spent the money on luxury cars, designer clothes, real estate, and travel, and used new fraudulent loans to pay back old ones. The couple was found guilty of bank and tax fraud offenses in 2022.
A History of Misconduct and Appeals
The Chrisleys’ sentencing was met with criticism from their supporters, who claimed they were unfairly targeted due to their conservative beliefs. Their oldest daughter, Savannah, has become an outspoken critic of the criminal justice system since her parents’ incarceration.
Savannah has been vocal about the hardships associated with her parents’ imprisonment, including taking on guardianship of her younger brother and niece and facing harsh conditions in prison. She has also spoken out against what she claims is a biased prosecution.
Savannah Chrisley is an American television personality and social media influencer.
She rose to fame as a cast member on the USA Network reality show 'Chrisley Knows Best.'
Born on August 11, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, Savannah has become known for her outspoken personality and strong opinions.
With over 3 million followers on Instagram, she leverages her platform to share her life experiences, fashion choices, and interests.
A Pardon for the Ages
President Trump‘s decision to pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley marks the latest move in his high-profile streak of pardoning supporters. The couple’s case has been widely followed, with many questioning the severity of their sentences.
On December 18, 2020, President Donald Trump issued 143 pardons and commutations in his final days in office.
The list included high-profile figures such as Steve Bannon, a former White House chief strategist, and Elliott Broidy, a Republican fundraiser.
The pardon power is granted to the president under Article II, Section 2 of the US Constitution.
It allows for forgiveness of federal crimes, but does not apply to state or military offenses.
Trump's use of this power has been subject to controversy and debate.
Their lawyer, Alex Little, praised the pardon as ‘correcting a deep injustice’ and restoring the couple to their family and community. Savannah, who profusely thanked President Trump for the pardon, expressed her gratitude on social media, saying she is ‘eternally grateful‘ for her parents’ freedom.
The Pardon Process
The pardon process has been marked by controversy, with many questioning President Trump‘s motives for granting pardons to high-profile supporters. However, in this case, it appears that President Trump‘s decision was driven by a desire to correct what he saw as an unjust outcome.
The pardon process for former President Donald Trump involves a multi-step procedure.
The President can grant pardons to individuals convicted of federal crimes, except in cases of impeachment.
A pardon does not erase the conviction but rather removes the penalty associated with it.
According to Article II, Section 2 of the US Constitution, the President's power to grant pardons is discretionary and not subject to review by Congress or the courts.
In 2020, Trump granted 143 pardons and commutations during his final days in office.
The pardon is seen as a significant development in the ongoing saga of the Chrisleys’ case, and raises questions about the role of the president in determining who receives pardons.
