Lynne Patton, a White House deputy assistant to the president, said President Donald Trump alone decides whether to grant a pardon to Joe Giudice, the former “Real Housewives of New Jersey” cast member deported to Italy after serving a federal prison sentence.
In an Instagram post explaining why Teresa Giudice and her daughter Gia attended White House events for Columbus Day and Italian American heritage, Patton said she had known the family for nearly two decades. She wrote that she believed in second chances, while stressing that she does not decide who receives a pardon. Patton said recommendations come from the White House pardon adviser and White House counsel.
Patton also recounted that she relapsed into cocaine addiction in 2013 while working at the Trump Organization. She credited Eric Trump and Lara Trump with intervening and said she has been drug-free for 13 years. Patton described that experience as shaping her views on redemption.
Giudice was deported in 2019 after serving 41 months in federal prison for financial crimes. His daughter Gia has publicly advocated for his return. He sought a presidential pardon in June 2025, and the family said it submitted a humanitarian packet in August 2026.
A pardon would not automatically ensure Giudice could return to the United States. The source report, citing the Justice Department, says a pardon may remove certain deportation grounds, but the immigration consequences depend on the specific circumstances.
The Giudice family thanked Patton in comments on her post. Patton’s remarks drew differing reactions from other Instagram users. Fox News said it had sought comment from Patton and Teresa Giudice.
