Is Todd Chrisley released? After more than two years of legal battles, prison time, and relentless public scrutiny, reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley are finally free. The couple, best known for their hit reality show Chrisley Knows Best, were officially released from prison on May 28, 2025, just one day after receiving a full presidential pardon from former President Donald Trump.
Todd Chrisley Released
Todd, 56, was released from the Federal Prison Camp Pensacola in Florida, where his daughter Savannah Chrisley was on hand to bring him home. Julie was released from the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, with their son Grayson there to greet her.
Savannah, visibly emotional and exhausted, told reporters, “This process has been insane, and I’m just so grateful that I’m gonna leave here with my dad. I got here at 2 a.m. and I have not gone to sleep… I’m just a daughter who wants to take her dad home with me.”
The Road to Conviction
The Chrisleys’ legal troubles began with a federal indictment in 2019. They were convicted in 2022 on charges of tax evasion and bank fraud after prosecutors accused them of falsifying documents to obtain over $30 million in fraudulent loans. In January 2023, they reported to separate prison facilities: Todd to Pensacola and Julie to Lexington.
Initially sentenced to a combined 19 years behind bars—12 for Todd and 7 for Julie—the couple had their sentences later reduced. However, the full pardons issued by Trump on May 27 rendered those reductions moot, as they walked free the following day.
Presidential Pardon and Trump’s Remarks
In a personal phone call to the Chrisley children, Trump said, “I heard the Chrisleys were terrific people who were given a pretty harsh treatment. It’s a terrible thing, but it’s a great thing, because your parents are going to be free and clean.” He added, “I don’t know them, but give them my regards and wish them good luck.”
This high-profile pardon has stirred national attention, with supporters hailing it as an act of justice, while critics question the rationale behind offering clemency in a white-collar fraud case.
Family’s Reaction and Ongoing Advocacy
Savannah Chrisley has been a tireless advocate for her parents’ release, using her platform and legal resources to bring awareness to what she called “a wrongful conviction.” After the pardon, she expressed her gratitude:
“For the past two and a half years, I’ve done everything in my power to fight for my parents’ freedom and bring them home. This moment is the answer to countless prayers, and I am beyond grateful to President Trump for seeing the truth and restoring my family.”
She also noted that her mission is far from over, vowing to continue advocating for prison reform and those who can’t fight for themselves.
Grayson Chrisley also took to Instagram to share his emotions:
“THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, President Trump, for restoring my family and bringing my parents home.”
What’s Next: A Return to Television
The Chrisley family, who rose to fame with Chrisley Knows Best (which aired from 2014 to 2023 on USA Network), is not stepping away from the spotlight. PEOPLE recently confirmed that the family will star in a new docuseries with Lifetime, documenting their post-prison life and journey forward.
This next chapter promises not only family healing but also a media resurgence, as the Chrisleys leverage their notoriety into a story of redemption and resilience.
Final Thoughts
Todd and Julie Chrisley’s release marks a dramatic turn in one of reality television’s most sensational legal sagas. From courtroom drama to presidential intervention, the Chrisleys now face a new opportunity to rebuild their lives under the watchful eyes of millions.
While their journey is far from over, the Chrisleys are stepping into this new chapter with renewed purpose, family unity, and a spotlight that shows no sign of dimming.
