BREAKING NEWS: Todd & Julie Chrisley’s Bold Trump Claims Get Debunked in New Report

In a dramatic turn of events that’s stirring the world of reality television and politics, Chrisley Knows Best stars Todd and Julie Chrisley are facing new scrutiny over their long-standing claims of political persecution. The couple, who are serving a combined 19 years in federal prison for tax evasion and bank fraud, have repeatedly asserted

that their convictions were politically motivated due to their support for former President Donald Trump.

But a damning new report from Variety appears to undermine those assertions, revealing discrepancies between the Chrisleys’ narrative and the actual courtroom proceedings.

The Chrisleys’ Controversial Claims

Since their sentencing in 2022—Todd to 12 years and Julie to 7—the couple and their daughter Savannah Chrisley have painted a portrait of injustice, suggesting they were made scapegoats because of their conservative beliefs and open support for Trump. Savannah, the family’s most outspoken advocate since their incarceration, has been especially vocal.

In a 2023 podcast appearance, Savannah claimed that during her parents’ trial in Georgia, prosecutors sensationally opened by saying: “Ladies and gentlemen, what we have here are the Trumps of the South.” That statement, repeated by the Chrisley family for nearly two years, has served as the cornerstone of their political persecution narrative. It also became a rallying cry among their supporters and was cited as a factor in Todd and Julie receiving pardons from Donald Trump on May 28, 2025.

However, Variety’s investigation challenges the credibility of this dramatic courtroom moment.

A Courtroom Mystery Unraveled

According to court documents obtained by Variety, as well as interviews with trial jurors and involved parties, the Chrisleys’ case had no political undertones. There was no mention of Trump, no reference to politics, and certainly no courtroom statement comparing them to the former president.

Juror Glenda Hinton was blunt in her assessment: “Politics never came up. Trump never came up,” she told Variety. “It was strictly a fraud case. There was no politics.”

The publication also spoke with Peter Tarantino, the Chrisleys’ former accountant who was tried alongside them and convicted of filing false tax returns. Tarantino, who served 18 months in prison and was notably not included in Trump’s round of pardons, echoed the sentiment: “I sat through three weeks of trial testimony and I never heard that said.” He added that if such a statement had been made, it would have triggered an immediate uproar from the Chrisleys’ legal team.

In fact, Variety meticulously reviewed the entire 3,400-page trial transcript. The result? No mention of Trump. No political grandstanding. No references to the Chrisleys as “the Trumps of the South.”

Savannah’s Shifting Story

Confronted with these findings, Savannah offered a revised version of events. She told Variety that the infamous statement was made during a “meeting” between the judge and attorneys, rather than during open court. When asked if the jury had heard it, she initially said they hadn’t—but then admitted she couldn’t remember whether they were present or not.

As for why the phrase doesn’t appear in the court record, Savannah suggested it may have been “redacted” by the judge. But according to Variety, the trial documents show no obvious redactions, further casting doubt on her explanation.

A Political Shift—After the Fact

Adding another layer of intrigue, Todd and Julie’s public alignment with Donald Trump appears to be a post-sentencing development. Prior to 2022, there was little to no evidence of their involvement in politics. Back in 2016, Todd stated that he wasn’t impressed with either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump. Savannah has also admitted on her Unlocked podcast that she wasn’t politically engaged “until two years ago.”

That timeline is important: it suggests that the Chrisleys’ public support for Trump only emerged after their conviction—undermining the idea that their political leanings played a role in their prosecution.

Even more telling, the state tax investigator they accused of bias is, in fact, a registered Republican. The claim of persecution for “conservative values” appears to have no foundation in the actual facts of the case.

The Trump Pardon and Legal Fallout

Despite the contradictions, Todd and Julie Chrisley were granted full pardons by Trump in May 2025, just 16 months into their sentences. Their attorney, Alex Little, issued a statement praising Trump for recognizing that his clients were “targeted because of their conservative values and high profile.”

Yet, as Variety‘s investigation makes clear, this justification doesn’t align with the evidence—or lack thereof.

The couple were indicted in 2019 under the Trump administration, further eroding the argument that a left-leaning justice system went after them for political reasons. Their trial focused on charges of tax evasion, bank fraud, and obstruction—not political ideology.

The Chrisleys’ legal team has continued to pursue appeals and media appearances, pushing a narrative of victimhood that appears to be more about public sympathy than judicial fact.

A Legacy of Fame, Fraud, and Fabrication?

For years, Chrisley Knows Best charmed audiences with its mix of Southern sass, tight-knit family dynamics, and over-the-top luxury. But the show’s glittering veneer was ultimately shattered by financial scandal.

Todd and Julie were convicted of submitting false documents to secure more than $30 million in fraudulent loans, then using those funds to finance their lavish lifestyle. They also hid income from their reality show to avoid paying taxes—an ironic twist for a couple that projected wealth, discipline, and moral high ground.

While their story might have initially seemed like one of success and glamour, the darker truths that emerged painted a much different picture. Now, as they serve their time—and lean heavily into political theater—the line between reality TV and real-life consequences continues to blur.

What’s Next for the Chrisleys?

With their pardons secured, attention now turns to what lies ahead. Will they attempt a comeback in television? Will Savannah’s podcast evolve into a political platform? And how will the public respond now that the foundation of their persecution claims appears riddled with inconsistencies?

One thing is certain: the Chrisley saga isn’t over. But thanks to Variety’s investigation, the myth of their political martyrdom has been thoroughly debunked, revealing instead a familiar tale of fraud, fame, and carefully spun fiction.

As the dust settles, viewers and voters alike must ask: are the Chrisleys victims of injustice—or just skilled performers playing their final act?