WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned Monday that those responsible for the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie must release her unharmed or face what he described as the “most severe” federal penalties, including the possibility of capital punishment if the elderly victim is killed.
In a brief phone interview with The Post, Trump said he would want the United States Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty should the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie — a longtime co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” — be found dead.
“The most, yeah — that’s true,” Trump said when asked whether that meant seeking capital punishment. “Very, very severe — the most severe.”
Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home outside Tucson on Feb. 1, triggering an urgent, multi-agency search that has intensified in recent days. Authorities believe the elderly mother of three may still be alive, though they have released few details about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Investigators have remained tight-lipped about key aspects of the case, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing operation.
According to officials familiar with the investigation, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are working in close coordination. Trump said he personally called Savannah Guthrie on Feb. 4 to offer federal assistance and express his support as authorities ramped up efforts to locate her mother. Since then, the case has drawn growing national attention, fueled by the high-profile nature of the family and alarming developments uncovered during the investigation.
Last week, investigators obtained what officials described as “bone-chilling” images and video footage showing a masked man standing at the front door of the suburban home where Nancy Guthrie was taken. The footage, which has not been fully released to the public, is being carefully analyzed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Experts are using advanced forensic technology, image enhancement tools and behavioral profiling techniques to identify the suspect or suspects involved.
Despite the seriousness of the case, Trump has largely refrained from extensive public commentary. Aides say the decision was made to avoid compromising the investigation or influencing potential legal proceedings. Behind the scenes, however, federal resources have been mobilized to support local authorities, including forensic specialists, tactical advisors and criminal profilers.
Legal experts note that kidnapping resulting in death can carry the harshest penalties under federal law, particularly when aggravating factors — such as the victim’s advanced age — are present. In such cases, prosecutors may seek life imprisonment or capital punishment, depending on the evidence and the circumstances of the crime.
Trump’s remarks underscore a broader stance emphasizing strict consequences for violent crimes, especially those targeting vulnerable individuals. He stressed that protecting elderly Americans must remain a top priority and that justice would be pursued aggressively if harm comes to the victim.
Meanwhile, investigators continue to pursue new leads and urge the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating Nancy Guthrie. Authorities have asked anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area around the time of the abduction, or who may recognize the masked individual captured in the footage, to contact law enforcement immediately.
Family members have requested privacy during this difficult time but remain hopeful for her safe return. As the search enters a critical phase, officials emphasize that their primary objective remains finding Nancy Guthrie alive.
“Our goal is to bring her home safely,” one official said. “Everything else comes after that.”
