Gia Giudice’s Emotional Plea: Bringing Dad Joe Back Home
Gia Giudice, the eldest daughter of Teresa Giudice from The Real Housewives of New Jersey and her ex-husband Joe Giudice, recently made a heartfelt public plea that’s stirring up conversations across social media. At the center of it all? A request for President Donald Trump to bring her dad back home.
Joe Giudice’s story is pretty well-known to reality TV fans and beyond. He served 41 months in federal prison after being convicted of bank, bankruptcy, mail, and wire fraud. But unlike his wife Teresa, who is a U.S. citizen, Joe was deported back to Italy in 2019 after finishing his sentence because he never secured full American citizenship. Since then, Joe has been living in the Bahamas to stay as close to his family as possible, but the separation has been tough on everyone.
Gia, who is 24 and stars in Bravo’s new reality show Next Gen NYC, took to Instagram last Friday with a deeply personal message. In a video, she shared a voiceover as she filmed herself writing character letters on Joe’s behalf, addressing the nation’s highest office with hope and sincerity. “My name is Gia Giudice. I'm the daughter of Joe Giudice, and today I'm using my voice for something deeply personal,” she says. “My dad was deported over four years ago. Since then, our family has lived in an emotional limbo. No matter how strong we try to be in the absence of a father, of a parent, it’s something that never stops hurting.”
What makes Gia’s plea especially compelling is not just the personal pain behind it but the hopeful precedent she points to. She references the Chrisley family’s recent clemency granted by President Trump as inspiration. Todd and Julie Chrisley, stars of the USA Network’s Chrisley Knows Best, were convicted of crimes similar to Joe’s — bank fraud and tax evasion — and received prison sentences of 12 years and 7 years, respectively. In May, Trump pardoned the Chrisleys, sending a message about forgiveness and second chances.
Gia explains, “Watching the Chrisley family receive a second chance inspired me. It showed me that people can be forgiven, that families could be restored, and that sometimes the justice system has room for grace. That gave me hope.”
For Gia and her family, a pardon would mean so much more than just legal forgiveness — it’s about healing. “A pardon for me would mean more than just legal forgiveness, it would mean healing for my sisters, for my mom, for my family, and for me,” Gia shared.
The Giudice family isn’t small by any means. Joe and Teresa share four daughters: Gia, 24; Gabriella, 20; Milania, 19; and Audriana, 15. Teresa and Joe were both sentenced in 2014, but while Teresa served her time and remained in the U.S., Joe’s lack of citizenship meant he was deported once he completed his sentence. This split has left the family grappling with missing out on the little moments that really matter.
Gia’s video highlights the harsh reality of this separation: “We’ve missed birthdays, graduations, even the small moments that matter the most,” she says. “This isn’t just about one man, it’s about a family that deserves to be home again… We are not asking for sympathy; we are asking for a second chance. So let’s bring Joe home together. President Donald J. Trump, I really hope you receive these character letters about my dad Joe Giudice.”
Gia’s plea was not made in isolation. Just two weeks prior, Joe himself reached out directly to President Trump on Instagram. His message was simple but powerful. “I’m Joe Giudice. I served my time, and I’ve been deported from the U.S. for nearly a decade. I was raised in Jersey, I’m a father of four amazing daughters, and I just want to be allowed to visit them again. President Trump, I respect you and I’m asking for a second chance,” he wrote alongside a heartfelt photo with his daughters.
While Teresa and the Giudice daughters publicly showed their support in the comments section of Joe’s post, Gia’s post sparked a different reaction. The comment section was divided, with many users voicing frustration and criticism. Some called Gia’s request insensitive, especially given the timing during a period when Trump’s administration has ramped up mass deportations affecting many immigrants — some without any criminal charges.
This controversy brings to light a larger debate happening across the country. On one hand, you have families like the Giudices fighting for reunification and forgiveness after serving time and paying their dues. On the other, many Americans are witnessing or experiencing immigration crackdowns that don’t always come with the same considerations of mercy or leniency. Gia’s call for clemency taps into these complex emotions around justice, family, and second chances.
Key Points to Consider:
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Joe Giudice served 41 months for financial crimes but was deported because he never gained citizenship.
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Gia Giudice is actively campaigning for a pardon or clemency from President Trump to allow Joe to return.
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The Chrisley family’s pardons served as an example that such forgiveness is possible.
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The Giudices share four daughters who have grown up largely without their father nearby.
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The plea has sparked mixed reactions, reflecting broader tensions around immigration policy and justice.
Gia’s video and message reveal the raw human side behind headlines and reality TV drama. At its core, this is a family story — a story about loss, hope, and the desire for reunion.
One thing is clear: Gia is putting her voice out there, not just as a celebrity daughter, but as a daughter who deeply misses her dad and believes in the power of second chances.
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