Keypoints Summary
- Joe Giudice begs Trump to pardon him and lift U.S. ban
- Deported to Italy in 2019 after fraud conviction
- Says he’s paid his debt, wants to reunite with daughters
- Filed formal pardon request and recorded public appeal
- Family, fans, and former co-stars rally behind him
- Claims Biden ignored plea, turns to Trump for help
- Says he’s changed, sober, and focused on rebuilding
- Describes exile as “emotional prison away from my girls”
Giudice Begs Trump to Pardon Him and End His Exile
Joe Giudice begs Trump to pardon him in a bold and emotional plea to end what he calls his “life sentence in exile.” The former Real Housewives of New Jersey star broke his silence with a direct request to the former president. He wants to come back to America. He wants to be with his daughters. And he’s begging the one man he believes can make it happen: Donald J. Trump.
The ex-reality star was deported to Italy in 2019 after serving 41 months in federal prison for mail, wire, and bankruptcy fraud. His green card was revoked. Immigration agents escorted him out of the country. He hasn’t returned since.
But now, six years later, Giudice says he’s changed. He’s done his time. And all he wants is a second chance—in the country where he grew up.
How the Plea Reached Trump
Giudice didn’t just send a lawyer’s letter. He went public. In a two-minute video posted online, he directly addressed Trump. He thanked him for past pardons, then asked for one more. His voice cracked. His eyes welled up. He said he misses his daughters every day and wants to be a present father again.
He emphasized that he’s remained sober, paid his debts, and worked to rebuild his life. And he claims he’s become a better man—and now just needs one last push to return home.
The clip exploded on social media. Supporters shared it widely. Trump allies reposted it. Some former Housewives cast members also backed the campaign, calling it “time for compassion.”
What Led to Joe’s Deportation
Joe Giudice’s downfall was dramatic. He and ex-wife Teresa Giudice were convicted in 2014 for a series of fraud charges, including lying on loan applications and bankruptcy documents. They both served time in prison—Teresa first, then Joe. Once his sentence ended, immigration officials denied his appeal to stay in the country.
Though Joe had lived in the U.S. since childhood, he never became a citizen. That decision cost him everything. Once his status was reviewed, the government ordered his deportation.
He appealed. He begged. But the courts were firm. In October 2019, he boarded a plane to Rome and has lived in Europe ever since.
Why He’s Turning to Trump Now
Giudice said he submitted a formal pardon request to the Biden administration over a year ago but never got a reply. Feeling ignored, he shifted gears and aimed his appeal at Trump.
He praised Trump’s past record of criminal justice reform and his willingness to give second chances. Giudice said he believes Trump understands redemption and the value of family. With a new election on the horizon, the timing feels urgent.
He added, “I don’t want special treatment. I just want fairness.”
Family Still in the U.S.
Joe’s daughters—Gia, Gabriella, Milania, and Audriana—still live in New Jersey. So does Teresa. Though the couple divorced in 2020, they’ve remained civil and co-parent from across the ocean. Their oldest daughter Gia has publicly asked for her dad’s return before. Now, she’s backing the new pardon push with videos and posts of her own.
The girls visit him in the Bahamas, where he relocated to be closer to the U.S. But the visits are rare. And the pain, Joe says, never goes away.
“I raised them here. I lived a life here. And I made mistakes here. And I want to fix it here,” he said.
Supporters Rally, Critics Stay Quiet
The reaction online was mostly supportive. Viewers praised Giudice for owning his past and staying out of trouble since his release. Some fans said six years is long enough. Others believe his family deserves to be together.
So far, Trump hasn’t commented. But insiders claim the video has reached members of his inner circle. The pressure now builds—will the former president respond?
What a Pardon Would Mean
If Trump granted a presidential pardon, Giudice could reapply for legal status. It wouldn’t be instant, but it would open the door. He could petition for residency and potentially return to U.S. soil within months.
He’d still need to clear immigration hurdles, pass interviews, and possibly attend hearings. But the pardon would wipe his criminal slate clean—a crucial step.
For now, Joe remains in limbo. But he says he’s hopeful. And that hope is pinned to one man.
A Second Act or a Long Shot?
Giudice knows this is his last shot. At 52, he’s tired of limbo. He runs a small construction firm abroad, but he says nothing compares to raising his daughters in person. He wants to attend graduations, walk them down the aisle, and be part of everyday life again.
And he ended his video with a simple line: “I made mistakes, but I’m not a mistake.”
Whether Trump answers or not, Joe’s plea has reignited interest in his story—and reminded everyone that fame, fortune, and even time served doesn’t always mean freedom.