Savannah Chrisley Breaks Down in Emotional Video After Trump Pardons Parents Todd & Julie Chrisley
Just hours after former President Donald Trump issued a shocking presidential pardon, Savannah Chrisley took to social media with a heartfelt video, sharing how she learned the news—and what lies ahead for her family.
Trump granted a full pardon to Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the reality TV hit Chrisley Knows Best, who were serving time for high-profile convictions involving tax evasion and bank fraud. The unexpected announcement came on May 28, 2025, and was confirmed by Margo Martin, Special Assistant to the President, via a post on X (formerly Twitter), instantly igniting widespread public reaction.
Defending his controversial decision, Trump called the couple’s sentence “pretty harsh treatment.” In a personal phone call to the Chrisley children, he added, “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean.”
White House Defends Chrisley Pardon as Public Outcry Grows
Following the announcement, White House spokesperson Harrison Fields released an official statement elaborating on the controversial decision. “The president is always pleased to give well-deserving Americans a second chance—especially those who’ve been unfairly targeted and overly prosecuted by an unjust justice system,” Fields said.
He revealed that President Trump personally called Savannah Chrisley and her brother from the Oval Office to break the news, telling them their parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, would be granted a full pardon. “Their sentences were far too harsh,” Fields added.
The pardon has ignited fierce debate across social media platforms, especially on Facebook, where opinions remain sharply divided.
“This is insanity,” one user wrote. Another praised the move, saying, “The best thing he’s done in a while!! Welcome back, Chrisleys!!” A third supporter chimed in, “He should. They could be doing more service outside of the cement wall!”
Still, critics were quick to voice concern. “A president should not be allowed to interfere in the criminal justice system,” one user argued, echoing a broader outcry about presidential overreach.
Reactions Range from Deeply Personal to Sharply Skeptical
Amid the flurry of online reactions, some voices stood out for their raw honesty. “From someone who has been to prison… this isn’t right,” one person shared. “They should have to serve their time just like everyone else.”
Others cast doubt on the motivation behind the pardon, suggesting ulterior motives. “They paid him to pardon them—he’s all about money,” one skeptical commenter claimed, tapping into a wider narrative of distrust surrounding Trump’s high-profile clemency decisions.
Still, not all reactions were negative. Some supporters celebrated the decision with caveats. “OK, now this is one thing I can get behind,” one person wrote, “as long as that man gets back up on our screens!”
The divided response highlights a broader tension between justice, celebrity, and politics—leaving many to wonder whether the Chrisleys’ return to freedom is a triumph of second chances or a troubling twist in the American legal system.
Savannah Chrisley Reacts After Personal Call from Trump: “I Was Walking Into Sam’s Club”
Support for the Chrisley pardon continued to roll in from some corners of the internet. One user wrote, “The sentence was very extreme and the case was handled poorly by the judge. I think this is a great decision.”
But it was Savannah Chrisley’s reaction that drew the most attention. Just hours after the news broke, the 27-year-old took to Instagram to share her emotional response. Dressed in a white “Make America Great Again” hat, she tearfully recounted the moment President Trump personally called her.
“I was literally walking into Sam’s Club when I got the call,” she said, clearly still in disbelief. “He told me my parents were coming home. I just broke down.”
The candid moment instantly went viral, capturing the surreal mix of political power and personal relief that has defined the Chrisley family saga. With her parents now pardoned, Savannah’s emotional video hints at a new chapter—one that may unfold as publicly as the one that just closed.
“I Have Shed So Many Tears”: Savannah Chrisley Shares Her Joyful Breakdown After Trump’s Call
In her emotional Instagram video, Savannah Chrisley didn’t hold back. “I have shed so many tears,” she said through tears of joy. “The President called me personally… and notified me that he was signing pardon paperwork for both of my parents.”
Visibly overwhelmed, she added, “So, both my parents are coming home tonight or tomorrow.”
The moment marked a stunning reversal in a years-long legal battle that saw Todd and Julie Chrisley sentenced to prison on federal charges of tax evasion and bank fraud. Now, thanks to a direct intervention from Donald Trump, the couple will be returning home—and Savannah made it clear who she credits for the turnaround.
“I will forever be grateful for President Trump, his administration, and everyone along the way,” she said, her voice shaking.
With the family preparing to reunite, questions continue to swirl around the implications of the pardon—but for Savannah, this was a moment of pure, unfiltered relief.
“We’re Getting Their Room Ready”: Savannah Thanks Supporters as Family Prepares for Reunion
In addition to thanking President Trump, Savannah made sure to recognize the many others who played a role in securing her parents’ release. “To the people who put in countless hours and effort and love for my family to make sure my parents got home—thank you,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
With the pardons now official, the Chrisley family is shifting into preparation mode for an emotional homecoming.
“We’re putting clothes together for Mom and Dad, getting their room put together upstairs,” Savannah shared, offering a glimpse into the whirlwind of excitement and relief that has taken over their household.
After years of legal battles, prison time, and public scrutiny, the Chrisleys are finally reuniting—and for Savannah, this moment marks the end of one chapter and the hopeful beginning of another.
“It Still Doesn’t Feel Real”: Savannah Chrisley Reflects on Her Family’s Second Chance
As the video neared its end, Savannah Chrisley took a moment to thank the many supporters who stood by her family throughout their long legal ordeal. “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,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
Savannah became visibly emotional as she tried to process the day’s events. “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.”
For the Chrisley family—and for Savannah especially—the pardon marks more than a legal victory. It’s the start of a new chapter, filled with hope, healing, and a long-awaited reunion.
“I Will Stand Next to Him”: Savannah Chrisley Vows to Fight for Justice After Trump’s Full Pardon
Savannah ended her emotional video with one final, powerful statement of gratitude and commitment. “President Trump didn’t just commute their sentences—he gave them a full, unconditional pardon. So for that, I am forever grateful.”
But her message didn’t stop at personal relief. She issued a bold vow, signaling a new mission ahead. “I will stand next to [Trump] and [his] administration and stand up to the corruption—and continue fighting for the men and women that are in prison.”
With her parents finally returning home and a second chance now within reach, Savannah Chrisley is turning her family’s struggle into a call to action—one that may shape her future just as much as her past has.
Months of Legal Battles Led to Pardon Push
Savannah’s emotional reaction comes after months of tireless legal and public advocacy aimed at securing clemency for her parents. The effort reached a new level of urgency earlier this year. In February 2025, NBC News reported that Todd and Julie Chrisley had formally petitioned for a presidential pardon.
Their attorney, Jay Surgent, explained the legal team’s position: “They believe that the president will seriously consider pardoning both Julie and Todd Chrisley as a result of the unfair treatment they received in the criminal justice system.”
Central to their argument was a claim that the couple’s constitutional rights were violated during the investigation. According to Surgent, this included a controversial warehouse search conducted without a proper warrant—one of several issues the defense highlighted to build the case for clemency.
That long-shot bid has now paid off in a historic and highly publicized decision—one that not only reunites the Chrisley family but may also set the stage for broader conversations about justice, power, and second chances in America.
Behind the Scenes: Legal Missteps, Media Fame, and the Road to Clemency
Although the trial judge ultimately refused to suppress the warehouse search evidence, attorney Jay Surgent pointed to procedural missteps by the original defense team as the reason the motion failed. Despite the setback, the Chrisleys pressed on. Surgent confirmed earlier this year that an official pardon request was expected to be submitted to Donald Trump’s legal counsel within two to four months.
That timeline aligned closely with the recent announcement—indicating that behind Savannah’s emotional video and the dramatic presidential phone call was a carefully coordinated legal strategy.
The Chrisleys rose to fame with their hit reality series Chrisley Knows Best, which premiered on USA Network in 2014 and ran for ten seasons. Known for its mix of Southern charm and sharp-tongued humor, the show turned Todd and Julie into household names. Their children, Savannah and Chase Chrisley, also starred in the successful spinoff Growing Up Chrisley, which aired for three seasons.
Now, with Todd and Julie on the brink of a highly publicized homecoming, the next chapter in the Chrisley family saga is already taking shape—this time, off-screen and in the spotlight of national attention.
Understanding the Presidential Pardon Power
Under the U.S. Constitution, the President holds broad authority to grant pardons—full and unconditional clemency—for federal offenses, with the sole exception of cases involving impeachment.
This expansive power was confirmed in the landmark 1886 Supreme Court case Ex parte Garland, where the Court ruled that the president may issue a pardon “either before legal proceedings are taken, or during their pendency, or after conviction and judgment.”
This legal foundation underscores why presidential pardons, like the one granted to Todd and Julie Chrisley, carry such significant weight—and often spark intense public debate.
Federal Convictions and Eligibility for Clemency
Todd and Julie Chrisley were convicted on serious federal charges, making them eligible for presidential clemency. Under constitutional law, the President has unrestricted authority to “forgive” convicted individuals, reduce their sentences, or issue full pardons—but only for federal offenses, not for state crimes or civil cases.
Their legal saga reached a pivotal moment on June 8, 2022, when the couple was found guilty of conspiring to defraud banks of more than $30 million through fraudulent loan applications. This conviction set the stage for the complex battle that ultimately led to their historic pardon.
The emotional response to the pardon reflects the gravity of the case as well as the hope for redemption that presidential clemency can offer.
Justice Department Details Charges and Convictions
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the verdict, which included multiple charges related to extensive financial misconduct.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia stated that the Chrisleys, along with their accountant Peter Tarantino, were convicted on several tax-related offenses, including attempts to defraud the Internal Revenue Service.
Special Agent Keri Garley of the FBI’s Atlanta office commented on the case, emphasizing the principle of equal justice: “As today’s outcome shows, when you lie, cheat and steal, justice is blind as to your fame, your fortune, and your position.”
These statements underscored the seriousness of the federal convictions that preceded the presidential pardon—highlighting the complex balance between celebrity, law, and accountability.
FBI Agent Emphasizes That Financial Crimes “Do Not Pay”
Special Agent Keri Garley further emphasized the consequences of greed-driven crime: “In the end, when driven by greed, the verdict of guilty on all counts for these three defendants proves once again that financial crimes do not pay.”
Julie Chrisley was found guilty of additional charges, including wire fraud and obstruction of justice. During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing that long before their rise to reality TV fame, the couple submitted false bank statements, financial documents, and audit reports. These falsified materials were used to secure fraudulent loans from community banks in the Atlanta area.
The illicit funds were allegedly spent on a lavish lifestyle, including luxury cars, designer clothing, high-end real estate, and extensive travel—details that painted a stark contrast to the Chrisleys’ public image.
Sentencing and Appeal Plans Amid Family Support
Following the guilty verdict, sentencing was originally set for October 6, 2022. Todd Chrisley’s attorney, Bruce Morris, expressed disappointment in the jury’s decision and confirmed that the defense would pursue an appeal.
Julie Chrisley’s attorney, Stephen Friedberg, shared similar sentiments, stating, “They remain strong in their faith and are deeply concerned for all of their children, as well as Todd’s mother, Elizabeth Faye. They are looking forward to continuing the fight until justice is obtained and they are ultimately vindicated.”
Despite the legal setbacks, the Chrisleys’ family solidarity and determination to challenge the convictions remained steadfast—setting the stage for the months of legal efforts that eventually led to the presidential pardon.
Earlier State Charges Resolved with Surprising Tax Findings
Before their high-profile federal trial, Todd and Julie Chrisley also faced state-level charges from the Georgia Department of Revenue. The couple was accused of evading nearly $2 million in taxes between 2008 and 2016.
However, that case took an unexpected turn. According to a settlement reached in October 2019 and reported by 11Alive, the Chrisleys ultimately agreed to pay just $147,944.75 to resolve the matter.
In a surprising twist, the settlement revealed that the couple had actually overpaid their taxes in several of those years—and were entitled to a refund of more than $66,000 for tax years 2013 through 2016. The only year in which they owed money was 2009, for which they paid $214,118.
This earlier resolution stood in sharp contrast to the outcome of the federal case, highlighting the complexities of the Chrisleys’ financial and legal history—one marked by both vindication and conviction.
Todd Chrisley Responds to State Settlement: “We Knew All Along”
In response to the 2019 settlement with the Georgia Department of Revenue, Todd Chrisley issued a statement through his attorney, expressing confidence and relief.
“Julie and I knew all along that we had done nothing wrong and that when the facts all came out, we would be fine,” he said. “We’re just glad that the Department of Revenue was willing to keep an open mind and look at all the evidence.”
The resolution of the state case, which ultimately found the Chrisleys owed far less than originally alleged, offered a rare moment of vindication for the couple amid years of mounting legal battles. Yet, it was only a prelude to the far more serious federal charges that would soon follow.
Federal Indictment Loomed Despite State Case Resolution
Although the Chrisleys resolved their state tax issues in 2019, the legal storm was far from over. Just months later, a 12-count federal indictment—filed in August 2019—presented far more serious challenges.
The charges included tax evasion, conspiracy, bank fraud, and wire fraud. Despite the mounting pressure, Todd and Julie Chrisley pleaded not guilty and consistently maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings.
While the couple had emerged from the state case with a sense of vindication, the federal indictment marked a turning point—transforming their legal troubles from a financial dispute into a full-blown criminal case that would eventually lead to convictions, prison sentences, and, most recently, a controversial presidential pardon.