Todd Chrisley is finally a free man after being released from the Federal Prison Camp Pensacola in Florida on Wednesday, May 28, just one day after former President Donald Trump granted him a full pardon.
The “Chrisley Knows Best” star, 56, had been behind bars since January 2023 following his 2022 conviction for tax evasion and bank fraud. The news of his pardon and immediate release came as a shock to both Todd and his family.
His daughter Savannah Chrisley was there to pick him up, while his brother Grayson was in Kentucky retrieving their mother, Julie Chrisley. Savannah described the process as “absolutely insane,” telling reporters, including TMZ, that she arrived at the prison at 2 a.m. and hadn’t slept since. She said, “I’m just a daughter who wants to take her dad home with me.” Savannah also shared that Todd “couldn’t believe it” when he was told he was being released, as the news “came out of nowhere.”
Todd Chrisley and his wife, Julie, first faced legal trouble in 2019, when they were indicted for tax evasion and bank fraud. After their 2022 conviction, they were sentenced to a combined 19 years behind bars, but their sentences were later reduced. Despite this, the couple reported to prison in January 2023 to begin serving their time. The Chrisley family’s long legal battle and time apart have been tough on everyone involved.
The breakthrough came on Tuesday, May 27, when Donald Trump announced he had granted full pardons to Todd and Julie Chrisley. In a phone call with the Chrisley children, Trump said he had heard the family were “terrific people” who received “pretty harsh treatment.” He told them, “It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean.” Trump promised to finalize the pardon quickly, which he did, leading to Todd’s release the very next day.
Savannah Chrisley took to social media to express her deep gratitude. She said she had spent two and a half years fighting for her parents’ freedom and called the pardon “the answer to countless prayers.” She thanked President Trump, his administration, all of her lawyers, and everyone who worked hard to bring her family back together. But Savannah was clear this is just one battle won, she said the fight against wrongful convictions and injustice within the prison system is far from over. For her, family is everything, and she pledged to continue using her platform to advocate for those without a voice.
Grayson Chrisley also shared his thanks on Instagram. In a heartfelt post, he wrote, “I can’t even find the right words… THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU President Trump for restoring my family and bringing my parents home. Thank you, God. Thank you, Savannah. Thank you, Mrs. Alice Johnson. Thank you again, President Trump 45/47.” His message highlighted how grateful the family was to everyone involved in the fight for their freedom.
The Chrisleys first rose to fame on the USA Network docuseries “Chrisley Knows Best,” which ran for ten seasons from 2014 to 2023. Fans of the show have more good news: PEOPLE confirmed earlier this month that the family will star in a new docuseries for Lifetime, allowing viewers to continue following their journey beyond the courtroom drama.
Todd Chrisley’s release after receiving a full pardon marks a major turning point for the family, ending years of legal struggles, uncertainty, and separation. Now reunited, the Chrisleys are ready to face the future together, armed with resilience and hope for a fresh start.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
