Just hours after the U.S. President issued a surprise presidential pardon, Savannah Chrisley broke her silence with an emotional video revealing how the news reached her — and what comes next for her family.
Donald Trump has officially granted a full presidential pardon to reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of “Chrisley Knows Best,” in their high-profile tax evasion and bank fraud case.
The announcement was made public on May 28, 2025, by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President and Communications Advisor, through a post on X, sparking a buzz.
A netizen’s comment on President Donald Trump’s decision, dated May 28, 2025 | Source: Facebook/NBCNews
The president defended his decision by describing the couple’s sentencing as “pretty harsh treatment.” In a phone call to the couple’s children, he stated, “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean.”
President Donald Trump is pictured talking to Todd and Julie Chrisley’s kids, in a video dated May 28, 2025 | Source: X/MargoMartin47
Harrison Fields, a White House spokesperson, further elaborated on the decision in a statement released the same day. He explained that the president is “always pleased to give well-deserving Americans a second chance, especially those who have been unfairly targeted and overly prosecuted by an unjust justice system.”
Harrison added, “President Trump called Savannah and her brother from the Oval Office to personally inform them that he would be pardoning their parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, whose sentences were far too harsh.”
The pardoning has sparked intense reactions online, particularly on Facebook, where many expressed divided opinions.
One commenter wrote, “This is insanity.” Another stated, “The best thing he’s done in a while!! Welcome back Chrisleys [sic]!!” A third added, “He should, they could be doing more service outside of the cement wall [sic]!”
However, others strongly disagreed. One person said, “A president should not be allowed to interfere in the criminal justice system.”
Donald Trump speaks to journalists before boarding Air Force One from Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, New Jersey, on May 25, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
From a more personal perspective, one expressed, “From someone who has been to prison…. This isn’t right…. They should have to serve their time just like everyone else.”
Suspicion over the motive behind the pardon was also raised. One commenter noted, “They paid him to pardon them cause he’s all about money.”
Others welcomed the decision with conditions. One person divulged, “Ok, now THIS is one thing I can get behind .. as long as that man gets back up on our screens!”
Julie and Todd Chrisley are seen on April 1, 2016, in Westlake Village, California | Source: Getty Images
Another supported the action, mentioning, “The sentence was very extreme and the case was handled poorly by the judge. I think this is a great decision.”
Hours after the official announcement that her parents had been pardoned, Savannah Chrisley took to Instagram to share her emotional response. The 27-year-old, wearing a white “Make America Great Again” hat, confirmed that the president personally called her to deliver the news while she was “walking into Sam’s Club
I have shed so many tears,” Savannah said during the video. “The President called me personally… and notified me that he was signing pardon paperwork for both of my parents.” She added, “So, both my parents are coming home tonight or tomorrow.”
Clearly overwhelmed, Savannah expressed, “I will forever be grateful for President Trump, his administration, and everyone along the wa.”
She also acknowledged the efforts of her legal team and others who worked behind the scenes. “To the people who put in countless hours and effort and love for my family to make sure my parents got home, thank you.”
The Chrisley family is preparing for Todd and Julie’s return, Savannah noted. “We’re putting clothes together for mom and dad, getting their room put together upstairs.”
Todd, Julie, and Savannah Chrisley are see on April 2, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
Savannah expressed gratitude for the supporters who stood by her family over the years. She also gave credit to various political allies, saying, “To all of the political figures I have come in contact with over the past two and a half years that believed in me and believed in my family, thank you.”
Savannah became visibly emotional while reiterating her disbelief. “It still doesn’t feel real,” she admitted. “I’m freaking out. I am going to go prepare to pick up my parents, and I just can’t thank you guys enough. They’re coming home. My parents get to start their lives over.”
