Teresa Giudice and Daughter Attend White House Event Amid Ex-Husband's Pardon Bid

Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice, accompanied by her eldest daughter Gia, attended a White House event celebrating Italian-American heritage on Columbus Day. The appearance came amid ongoing efforts by the family to secure a presidential pardon for Joe Giudice, Teresa's ex-husband, who was deported to Italy in 2019 after serving a prison sentence for fraud.

President Donald Trump's senior advisor, Lynne Patton, confirmed the Giudice mother-daughter duo were present at the White House "at the invitation of the President & First Lady." Patton, who has known the Giudice family for nearly two decades, shared photos from the event and addressed the pardon efforts.

"I am not in charge of pardons. Nor do I decide who receives them. That is the President’s sole decision based upon recommendations from the White House Pardon Czar... and White House Counsel," Patton stated. However, she expressed a personal belief in second chances, citing the President's own family as an example. Patton also emphasized the importance of a father's presence in the home, suggesting that a father's role as a protector is divinely supported.

"What I do know is that one of his beautiful daughters desperately needs him now more than ever. And even God supports that," Patton added, seemingly referring to the Giudices' younger daughter, Milania, who has publicly shared her struggles with mental health, including bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and ADHD. Milania is currently receiving treatment at a center.

Joe Giudice commented on Patton's post, expressing gratitude with "Your the best," while Gia thanked Patton as well. Teresa Giudice also shared her sentiments, writing, "We go way back" and expressing love.

Gia Giudice has been actively pursuing a pardon for her father. In August, she mentioned filing a "humanitarian packet" and expressed a desire for him to be pardoned or at least allowed visitation. Inspired by the clemency granted to reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, Gia initiated her pardon efforts for her father about a year prior.

In a video shared last year, Gia stated, "Watching the Chrisley family receive a second chance inspired me. It showed me that people can be forgiven, that families can be restored and that sometimes the justice system has room for grace." She added, "That gave me hope. Hope that maybe my dad could come home, too."

Joe Giudice himself made a public plea to President Trump via Instagram in 2025, stating, "I served my time, and I've been deported from the US 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."

Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice, who divorced in 2020, were convicted in 2014 for bankruptcy fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Teresa served 11 months in prison from January to December 2015, while Joe served 41 months before his deportation. Teresa Giudice married Louie Ruelas in 2022.