Trump Vows Death Penalty for Nancy Guthrie Kidnappers

President says perpetrators will face severe federal penalties if victim is not returned alive

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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President Donald Trump has stated that the individuals responsible for kidnapping Nancy Guthrie, the mother of broadcast journalist Savannah Guthrie, could face the death penalty if Guthrie is found dead. The FBI has increased its reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators from $50,000 to $100,000, and authorities are currently analyzing DNA evidence found at the scene of the crime.

Why it matters

The kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie has sparked outrage and concern nationwide, with the President vowing to pursue the harshest possible penalties for those responsible. The case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating high-profile crimes, and the pressure on authorities to swiftly resolve such incidents.

The details

Guthrie was abducted from her home in Arizona on February 1st, and so far, no arrests have been made and no suspects are in custody. The FBI is leading the investigation, and a recent federal search warrant of the home yielded additional DNA evidence that is currently being analyzed. Authorities have cleared all family members of any involvement in the case.

  • Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her home in Arizona on February 1, 2026.
  • The FBI has increased its reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators from $50,000 to $100,000.
  • A federal search warrant was executed at the home on Friday, but no arrests were made.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who has vowed to seek the death penalty for the perpetrators if Nancy Guthrie is found dead.

Nancy Guthrie

The mother of broadcast journalist Savannah Guthrie, who was kidnapped from her home in Arizona on February 1, 2026.

Savannah Guthrie

A broadcast journalist whose mother, Nancy Guthrie, was kidnapped from her home in Arizona.

Chris Nanos

The sheriff who has cleared all family members in the case of Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping.

FBI Phoenix

The FBI field office leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping.

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What they’re saying

“The most, yeah-that's true.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the kidnappers out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for law enforcement to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators of high-profile crimes and the willingness of the President to pursue the harshest possible penalties, including the death penalty, to deter such acts and ensure the safe return of victims.