Trump Warns Kidnappers: Death Penalty Awaits if Nancy Guthrie Not Returned Alive

President threatens 'very, very severe' consequences if 84-year-old is discovered dead

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to the alleged kidnappers of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, threatening them with the death penalty if they do not return her alive. Guthrie, the mother of Today Show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on January 31st and has been missing for two weeks. While there have been ransom demands, there has been no proof of life, leaving authorities uncertain if Guthrie is alive or dead.

Why it matters

The high-profile nature of this case and the involvement of the president have thrust it into the national spotlight, raising awareness and potentially pressuring the alleged kidnappers to release Guthrie unharmed. Trump's threat of the death penalty also highlights the gravity of the situation and the administration's commitment to using all available resources to bring Guthrie home safely.

The details

According to police, Nancy Guthrie was removed from her home in the early morning hours of February 1st, several hours after she was last seen by her son-in-law. Since then, four ransom notes have been received, but there has been no proof of life, leaving authorities uncertain of Guthrie's current status. Trump has assured Savannah Guthrie that the full resources of the federal government are available to help locate her mother and bring her home safely.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen by her son-in-law on the night of January 31st.
  • Nancy Guthrie was allegedly abducted in the early morning hours of February 1st.
  • Nancy Guthrie has been missing for two weeks as of February 16th, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has issued a stern warning to the alleged kidnappers of Nancy Guthrie, threatening them with the death penalty if they do not return her alive.

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who was allegedly abducted from her home on February 1st. She is the mother of Today Show co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Savannah Guthrie

The 54-year-old co-host of the Today Show, who is the daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie.

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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 alleged kidnappers out on bail.

The takeaway

This high-profile case highlights the administration's commitment to using all available resources to locate and safely return missing persons, even when they are the family members of prominent media figures. The president's threat of the death penalty also underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences facing the alleged perpetrators if they do not cooperate.