Julie and Todd Chrisley were released from their respective prisons mere hours after President Trump granted them a full pardon.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Office of Public Affairs confirmed the news in separate statements provided to USA TODAY on May 28. A spokesperson for the FBP announced that Todd “has been released” from a federal prison in Pensacola, Florida. An hour later, the agency reported that Julie had been released from federal custody in Lexington, Kentucky.
The family’s legal representative stated that both Chrisleys are en route to their home in Nashville.
Earlier in the day, the president signed documents granting full pardons to the stars of “Chrisley Knows Best,” as confirmed by a White House official to USA TODAY. The couple, who shared their family life on USA Network reality shows, had been incarcerated since January 2023, serving sentences of up to 10 years for defrauding community banks in Georgia using fraudulent loans.
In addition to their 2022 conviction for defrauding community banks, the Chrisleys were also found guilty of defrauding the IRS and committing tax evasion. Julie Chrisley was further convicted of obstruction of justice and wire fraud.
On May 27, Trump contacted the Chrisleys’ middle daughter, Savannah Chrisley, to inform her that her parents were “going to be free and clean, and I hope we can do it by tomorrow.”
Savannah, who had spoken at the Republican National Convention in July and had been actively advocating for her parents’ release, celebrated the news in a video she posted on Instagram on May 27, announcing that she was getting ready for their return.
“We’re preparing some clothes for mom and dad, setting up their room upstairs, and I’m just at a loss for words. I can’t express enough gratitude to you all for standing by my family throughout this journey and for your love and support,” she expressed.
“My parents get to start their lives anew,” she continued. “President Trump didn’t just commute their sentences. He granted them a full, unconditional pardon. For that, I will be eternally grateful.”
Julie Chrisley, aged 52, had been serving her seven-year prison sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. Prior to the pardon, her release date was set for January 2028.
Todd Chrisley was serving his sentence at FPC Pensacola and was projected to be released on April 7, 2032.
“Chrisley Knows Best” ran for 10 seasons on the USA Network, from 2014 to 2023. “Growing Up Chrisley,” a spin-off featuring the couple’s adult children, Chase and Savannah Chrisley, lasted for four seasons after its premiere in 2019.
In the wake of Todd and Julie Chrisley’s pardon from Trump, reality TV star Joe Exotic, who is currently incarcerated, is questioning why the president isn’t responding to his calls.
“Donald J. Trump, please restore freedom for Joe Exotic so he can return to doing good in the world,” the former businessman posted on his X account. “Joe Exotic didn’t harm anyone. He didn’t pay anyone. He had no plans to harm anyone. Joe Exotic has endured seven years behind bars, experiencing isolation, abuse, and treatment that no American should ever have to endure.”
Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado-Passage, also shared a press release expressing his deep disappointment.
“I have never been more disappointed in my life. President Trump is pardoning all these people who have actually committed crimes, yet he leaves me here, an innocent man,” the statement read.
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