It’s been nearly a decade since Joe Giudice, a familiar face from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, was deported to Italy following time served for non-violent offenses. But now, with the 2024 election looming and public conversation shifting toward second chances and justice reform, Joe is hoping for something deeply personal: the chance to hug his daughters on American soil.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on June 26, Giudice, 53, made a direct plea to former President Donald Trump for a pardon that would allow him to return to the U.S., even if just to visit.
“I’m Joe Giudice. I served my time, and I’ve been deported from the U.S. for nearly a decade,” he wrote.
“I was raised in Jersey, I’m a father of four amazing daughters, and I just want to be allowed to visit them again.”
Giudice, who was born in Italy but raised in New Jersey, shares daughters Gia, Gabriella, Milania, and Audriana with his ex-wife, Teresa Giudice. In the Instagram carousel, photos showed him over the years with his girls — the kind of everyday family snapshots that speak louder than headlines.
His message to Trump was simple and respectful:
“President Trump, I respect you and I’m asking for a second chance.”
Joe even tagged both Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr. in the post, making clear that he’s ready to speak directly, openly, and respectfully about his request. Supporters rallied quickly, including former RHONJ co-star Siggy Flicker, who has been vocal about advocating for Joe behind the scenes.
“I’m trying. Joe should be back home with his beautiful daughters!!!!!!” Flicker posted in the comments, prompting Joe to reply with multiple praying hands emojis.
Even Teresa Giudice, from whom Joe is divorced, offered a quiet but meaningful gesture: a simple praying emoji in support.
Joe has spoken before about his efforts to return. On a January episode of Teresa’s Turning the Tables podcast, he opened up about being denied re-entry by the U.S. embassy.
“I got a lawyer working on something, but she’s been working on it. Hasn’t done anything yet. So I don’t know. We’ll see,” he said candidly.
“I did get in front of the embassy and they denied me because I guess I’m a big criminal,” he added, with a trace of dry humor. “The process took not even five minutes.”
Despite the challenges, Joe still sees Trump as a possible path forward, remembering their past encounter with respect.
“When I met Trump, I mean, he was very nice to me. I was very nice to him when we were on his show over there. I don’t know. I mean, I think he should get me back.”
While the legal road ahead is uncertain, Joe Giudice’s plea isn’t political, it’s parental. A father’s voice, asking not for fame or fortune, but for the simple human right to see his kids again.
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