Trump Criticizes Authorities' Tactics in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

Former president says revealing plan to use Bluetooth to detect Guthrie's pacemaker was a poor strategic move.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former President Donald Trump has criticized the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie. Trump said he was perplexed by the fact that authorities informed the media they would be flying aircraft equipped with Bluetooth technology to detect Guthrie's pacemaker, arguing that this could have tipped off the perpetrator. Trump called for the investigation to shift focus to 'other subjects' after weeks of intense coverage.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has garnered significant national attention, with the former president weighing in on the investigation tactics. Trump's comments raise questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement's approach and whether revealing certain details could have compromised the case.

The details

Guthrie has been missing since February 1, when a masked man was filmed at her Tucson-area home's front door. The FBI has assisted in the case, but local law enforcement has led the investigation. Trump criticized the decision to inform the media about the plan to use Bluetooth technology to detect Guthrie's pacemaker, arguing that this could have allowed the perpetrator to evade capture.

  • Nancy Guthrie has been missing since February 1, 2026.
  • Trump made his comments about the investigation on February 19, 2026, while aboard Air Force One en route to Georgia.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who criticized the tactics used in the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of NBC 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing since February 1, 2026.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the NBC 'Today' show and the daughter of Nancy Guthrie.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who revealed the plan to use Bluetooth technology to detect Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency that has assisted in the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I didn't like when they talked about going after the pacemaker before they even started going after it. If in fact they could do it that way, the person would say, 'Well, I'm not going to let that happen'... I can't imagine why they would have done that, just in terms of strategy.”

— Donald Trump, Former President (New York Post)

“We have to start reporting on other subjects also and see what happens. It's a very sad situation.”

— Donald Trump, Former President (New York Post)

What’s next

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is ongoing, with the FBI assisting local law enforcement. The Pima County Sheriff's Office has not yet commented on Trump's criticism of their tactics.

The takeaway

Trump's comments highlight the intense public scrutiny and debate surrounding the investigation tactics used in high-profile missing persons cases. The revelation of certain investigative methods can be a double-edged sword, potentially aiding or hindering the search for the missing individual.