Gia Giudice’s heartfelt request to bring her father, Joe Giudice, back to the U.S. has struck a nerve online — and not everyone’s applauding.
In a tearful Instagram video posted Friday, the 24-year-old Next Gen: NYC star publicly called on former President Donald Trump to issue a pardon for her father, who was deported to Italy in 2019 after serving time for federal fraud charges. Inspired by the Chrisley family’s recent legal win, Gia’s campaign to reunite her family has ignited a storm of both support and sharp criticism.
“My Dad Deserves a Second Chance”
The video starts with Gia sitting at a desk, signing dozens of letters addressed to Trump. Her tone is soft, but her message is crystal clear: her family wants Joe home.
She spoke directly into the camera: “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, the absence of a parent never stops hurting.”
Joe, now living in the Bahamas, was a constant presence in Gia’s life growing up. “He was at every cheer competition, every recital. He was our provider. Our protector,” she said.
Gia also referenced the Chrisley family — Todd and Julie — who recently received sentence reductions in their federal convictions. “It showed me that the system can sometimes show grace,” she added.
Social Media Was Not Feeling It
Almost immediately, backlash rolled in.
Gia’s comment section was flooded. Some users were sympathetic — many weren’t. Critics zeroed in on her privilege, her tone, and the timing.
“You’re asking for a presidential pardon for a convicted felon… like it’s a favor?” one follower commented.
Another pointed out: “People are being deported for far less — without the money, without the platform. But they don’t get the chance to ask a former president for help.”
The harshest responses slammed Gia for being out of touch. One particularly biting comment read:
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“Y’all fly to Italy and the Bahamas to visit him while most people are crying at ICE detention centers. Know the difference.”
That tone — privilege meets plea — didn’t sit right with a large chunk of viewers.
The Giudice Legal Saga: A Recap
Let’s rewind for a moment.
Joe Giudice and his ex-wife Teresa were indicted in 2013. The charges? Everything from tax evasion to bankruptcy fraud. After pleading guilty, Teresa served 11 months. Joe got 41.
And because he never became a U.S. citizen — despite moving here as a child — he was deported to Italy in 2019 under immigration law.
Since then, Joe’s bounced around. He’s now in the Bahamas. His daughters visit. But it’s far from the life he once had.
Here’s a snapshot of the timeline:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Joe and Teresa indicted on federal charges |
| 2014 | Both plead guilty |
| 2015 | Teresa released after 11 months |
| 2019 | Joe completes 41-month sentence and is deported |
| 2024 | Joe formally requests pardon |
| 2025 | Gia publicly campaigns for Trump’s help |
That’s the past. The present? Messier.
Teresa Backs Gia, But Critics See a Pattern
Teresa Giudice, reality TV’s queen of loyalty, didn’t say much. Just dropped a few red heart emojis under her daughter’s video.
But she didn’t need to say more. Fans already know her stance.
This isn’t the first time Teresa’s publicly advocated for Joe’s return. But now it’s Gia front and center, echoing that same emotional pitch — with more polish, maybe, but no less conviction.
Supporters praised her bravery, her love for her dad. But even some of them admitted: this might not be the right way to do it.
“She’s coming from a place of love, sure,” one fan wrote. “But it feels like she doesn’t get how deep the system goes for others who don’t have her resources.”
And then there’s the Trump factor.
Some questioned the wisdom of asking Donald Trump — a polarizing figure, to put it mildly — for help, especially when the conversation around immigration remains tense.
Not the Only One Asking for Help
Worth noting: Joe Giudice himself also petitioned Trump for a pardon just last month. Quietly, with no social media campaign. His request hasn’t been approved or denied publicly yet.
Gia’s move feels like a coordinated follow-up — and it might be. But the comparison to the Chrisleys is where many drew the line.
Those sentences were reduced, not erased. And unlike Joe, the Chrisleys aren’t dealing with immigration complications layered over criminal records.
Critics say it’s apples to oranges. And they’re not wrong.
Still, Gia’s plea struck a chord with some.
“She’s a daughter trying to get her dad back,” one user commented. “Even if you disagree, you have to respect that.”
Then again, emotion doesn’t always translate to public sympathy.
Can a Convicted Felon Get a Presidential Pardon?
Yes — it’s legally possible.
Presidential pardons are often granted post-conviction, sometimes years later. They don’t erase the conviction, but they do restore certain rights.
But pardons for deported individuals? Rare. Very rare.
The law isn’t on Joe’s side. Immigration policy under both Democratic and Republican administrations has often taken a hard line when it comes to criminal convictions and non-citizens.
Joe’s best shot — whether through Gia or legal channels — still lies in a highly discretionary process, influenced as much by politics as by the facts.
And let’s face it: Trump is unpredictable.
