Former US President Donald Trump plans to pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, the stars of the reality TV show “Chrisley Knows Best,” who were convicted of tax evasion. The couple was found guilty in 2022 of conspiring to defraud the US tax system and were sentenced to a combined 19 years in prison. Todd Chrisley received a 12-year sentence, while his wife Julie received a 7-year sentence.
The Chrisleys were accused of submitting false documents to banks to obtain millions of dollars in loans, and then using the funds to fund their lavish lifestyle. They were also accused of failing to pay taxes on their income, including money earned from their reality TV show. The couple maintained their innocence throughout the trial, claiming that they were victims of bad accounting and had relied on their accountant to handle their finances.
Trump’s decision to pardon the Chrisleys comes as no surprise, given his history of granting pardons to high-profile figures. The former president has a history of using his pardon power to benefit his allies and supporters, and the Chrisleys have been vocal supporters of Trump in the past.
The pardon is expected to be granted before Trump leaves office, and it is likely to be met with criticism from Democrats and advocacy groups who argue that the Chrisleys’ crimes were serious and deserving of punishment. The pardon will also raise questions about the fairness of the justice system and whether wealthy and well-connected individuals are able to avoid accountability for their crimes.
The Chrisleys’ reality TV show, “Chrisley Knows Best,” has been a popular program on the USA Network since 2014, and has followed the lives of the Chrisley family, including their children and grandchildren. The show has been known for its humorous and lighthearted portrayal of the family’s life, but it has also been criticized for its unrealistic portrayal of wealth and privilege.
The pardon of the Chrisleys is a reminder of the power of celebrity and wealth in the US justice system, and raises questions about the extent to which wealthy and well-connected individuals are able to avoid accountability for their crimes. It is also a reflection of Trump’s willingness to use his pardon power to benefit his allies and supporters, regardless of the seriousness of their crimes.