In his civilian life he worked as a journalist, becoming editor-in-chief of the Secolo d'Italia, the daily paper of the post-fascist Italian Social Movement (MSI).

It was during his time in this role that he pushed for controversial amendments to the country's telecommunications legislation, known collectively as the legge Gasparri.

Following a weak showing in the regional elections of 2005, he was replaced in Berlusconi's third Cabinet by Mario Landolfi.

Alongside Ignazio La Russa, Gasparri was considered a leader of the AN mainstream faction Destra Protagonista.

During the XVI legislature (2008–13), he was president of The People of Freedom (PdL) bloc in the Senate.