President Donald Trump just dropped a bombshell by pardoning reality TV’s Todd and Julie Chrisley, a couple previously nailed for bank fraud and tax evasion.
The Washington Examiner reported that in a sweeping move of clemency, Trump issued full pardons to the Chrisleys, stars of "Chrisley Knows Best," alongside former Virginia Sheriff Scott Jenkins and ex-nursing home executive Paul Walczak.
Let’s rewind to 2019 when the Chrisleys were indicted on charges of defrauding banks and dodging taxes.
By 2022, Todd was slapped with a 12-year sentence, while Julie got 7 years behind bars. It’s been a long, public fall from grace for the duo known for their flashy lifestyle on TV.
On Tuesday, Trump wiped their slates clean with full pardons, a decision that had their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, cheering after months of advocacy. She’d been vocal at events like the Conservative Political Action Conference, pleading for her parents’ freedom.
Trump didn’t stop there—he also pardoned Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff convicted of bribery in a shady “cash-for-badges” deal.
Jenkins was serving a 10-year sentence for pocketing over $75,000 in bribes. One has to wonder if justice got a backstage pass in this decision.
In a social media post, Trump declared, “Sheriff Scott Jenkins... dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ.” Well, that’s one way to frame it, but let’s not pretend accepting bribes is a noble act of rebellion against a progressive agenda.
Then there’s Paul Walczak, a former nursing home exec who admitted to tax crimes, now walking free thanks to Trump’s pen. Interestingly, Walczak’s mother, Elizabeth Fago, has raised millions for Trump’s campaigns and recently attended a high-roller fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago, per the New York Times. Coincidence? You decide.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin didn’t mince words, saying, “This guy went to jail for screwing over nurses... now he’s pardoned.”
It’s a fair jab—when hardworking folks get shortchanged while yachts are bought, pardons like this sting worse than a tax audit.
Back to Jenkins, Virginia Democrats are livid about his pardon, especially gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger. She blasted, “Scott Jenkins... abused his power, violated his oath.” Hard to argue when the man was convicted of federal crimes, though Trump’s supporters might say the system itself is the real crook.
Spanberger wasn’t done, adding, “The president just pardoned him in an affront to... the community he betrayed.” That’s a gut punch to anyone who believes in accountability, though some might argue Trump’s just cutting through bureaucratic overreach.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) called the Jenkins pardon “a slap in the face to every American taxpayer.” Ouch—turns out actions have consequences, unless, apparently, you’ve got a presidential get-out-of-jail-free card.
Victor Salgado, a Virginia Democratic candidate, echoed the outrage, stating, “President Trump has used... power to protect adjudicated criminals.” It’s a harsh critique, but from a conservative lens, one might counter that Trump is exposing a justice system weaponized by the left.
Meanwhile, Trump’s not just playing defense—he’s going after former President Joe Biden’s use of an autopen for pardons and official business.
He’s pushed congressional Republicans to investigate, claiming Biden’s health is declining and aides are running the show with a liberal agenda.