Kathie Lee Gifford Shares How Donald Trump Helped Her and Her Daughter in the ’90s – Video
Kathie Lee Gifford Reveals How Donald Trump ‘Saved’ Her and Her Daughter’s Lives in the ’90s – Video
The TV program presenter and singer-songwriter revealed the terrifying facts of the incident during a podcast interview, attributing their survival to Donald Trump, who at once swore to deal with the situation himself.
In a candid interview with the “Sage Steele Podcast,” which aired in early February 2025, Kathie Lee Gifford talked candidly about significant events in her life.
She discussed her decades-long career, the ongoing sadness of losing her husband, Frank Gifford, and her complicated friendship with President Donald Trump throughout the conversation.
In addition to sharing a terrifying incident from 31 years ago, when she was getting ready to host the Miss America Pageant, Kathie was casually dressed in jeans and a knit sweater.
When the FBI alerted her husband that a dangerous criminal was on the loose and aiming to harm his wife, she was carrying her newborn daughter.
To keep the criminal from realizing they were on him, the FBI encouraged Frank to carry on as if nothing was wrong. But Frank would not move on unless his wife was secure.
He quickly looked to Donald for assistance in the midst of the confusion. Without hesitation, the president promised Frank that he would personally deal with the matter.
“[…] “This is why I will love this man for the rest of my life,” Donald replied. “Don’t worry about it, Frank.” Your girls are with me. Refusing to cry, Kathie recalled, “Don’t worry, I’ve got your girls.”
The singer-songwriter claims that after that, Frank called the FBI again and told them that he had Donald’s word that he would handle the matter.
The following day, Kathie received a call from Donald himself, who informed her that he was sending security guards to protect her and his private chopper to make sure she and her daughter made it home safely.
After that, a large security detail met her. She recalled, “There were four of his security guys there,” still figuring out how much he had intervened.
Armed guards were posted outside her hotel room, providing her with 24-hour protection for many days. She didn’t realize how serious the problem was until the day of the contest.
She was shocked to see a headline about a death threat against her when she picked up a newspaper. “I read it and thought, ‘Oh, I’m kind of interested in that story,'” she recalled. It was only then that she became aware of the danger and the precautions made to keep her safe.
Kathie remained unfazed by the terrifying disclosure. She firmly said, “Hell no!” in response to the question of whether she wanted to withdraw from hosting. I won’t be terrified of anyone.”
Donald’s security detail remained by her side, and the concert proceeded according to schedule. To allay any remaining fears, Kathie was discreetly transported home via an alternative route after the event. She was unaware that an FBI agent had also been sent to her Connecticut home to watch after her son, Cody, who was three years old.
A few days later, she was at the movies with her son when she was told by an FBI agent that the suspect had been apprehended. Although his capture was a relief, the horrific experience was still clearly in his mind.
“My pal is that. My daughter’s life was saved by Donald, and he would save it again if I called him today. […] Nobody is aware of that about him,” Kathie remarked.
Her tale illuminates a little-known aspect of Donald, providing insight into their connection and the appreciation she still has for him now.
Kathie Lee Gifford’s recent visit on the “Sage Steele Podcast” is not the only recent celebrity appearance she’s had. Only a few weeks prior, she appeared on “Today” for Hoda Kotb’s final program, and her appearance caused a stir.
On January 10, Hoda’s last day on the “Today with Jenna & Friends” program, Kathie gave her a surprise. Although her appearance made the event more elegant, a video that was posted online caused netizens to react in different ways.
In the video, Jenna Bush Hager informed Hoda that she had received a wonderful message from a close friend. Then a screen with Kathie speaking from Tennessee emerged. The 71-year-old TV star thought back on their happy times together and their shared experiences.
“I always loved hugging you and just drench in that beautiful sunshine of a smile you have,” she remarked with affection. “I’m sorry to miss your big day,” she joked, apologizing for her absence. But I’m really busy, you know. Very important, very busy. “No!” “I love you, sweetheart!” she concluded the message. I’m really happy for you.
When Jenna revealed at the conclusion of the video that Kathie’s recorded message from Tennessee was a “lie,” it caught Hoda off guard and added to the poignant moment.
Then, in a garment of black lace, Kathie walked into the room, radiating classic elegance. She looked radiant thanks to her long, wavy blonde hair and delicate cosmetics.
The studio was decorated with pink and purple balloons, which gave it a joyous feel. Amid the decorations, Kathie exuded confidence and then joined Hoda and Jenna for a heartfelt discussion.
Online responses to Kathie’s appearance were not quite unanimous. While some conjectured about cosmetic modifications, others appreciated her ageless beauty.
One reader said, “She’s done way too much with her face; I didn’t even recognize her.” Another said, “Botox!” and another said, “There’s a lot of plastic surgery there, Kathy.” One day, you’ll have to accept your actual age.
While some internet users compared Kathie’s appearance to music star Mariah Carey’s, others made lighthearted remarks about the cosmetic modifications made to popular individuals.
Others expressed pleasant feelings amid the criticisms. One admirer remarked, “She looks so good!!!” and another said, “Kathie Lee looks better than ever.” Well done! [sic]” An additional person exclaimed, “Kathie Lee is so pretty.”
Referring to her appearances for Hoda and the late TV host Regis Philbin, one viewer commended Kathie for her distinct presence and steadfast support for colleagues during crucial occasions.
As she celebrated Hoda’s last day on the show, Kathie appeared completely present, despite the mixed responses on the internet. In a different interview with Dr. Mehmet Oz on “The Dr. Oz Show,” Kathie provided insight into the motivations driving her change, both personal and professional.
She clarified that she lost weight because she was getting ready for a role in a movie that she and Craig Ferguson had written.
“The character is Annabelle, and she recently lost her spouse. Additionally, she has always been a runner, but she uses running as a coping mechanism for her discomfort. That’s how long I started practicing before I started filming the film,” she remarked.
After her husband passed away in 2015, grief also played a big part. “I lost weight immediately following the death of my own husband because, as they say, when you die, you don’t want to eat. That’s why diets are used. She said, “I have never been a big eater, and I don’t even remember eating after Frank passed away.”
She gave thanks for growing older in a 2017 interview with Prevention.
“Life is about choices all day long. Will I lament my age of 64 or will I say, ‘Thank you, Lord, I made it to 64’? Life is good, I have a job, my kids are amazing, and I’m healthy. Thank you. Being thankful for everything is, in my opinion, the main reason to enjoy your age,” Kathie said.
In keeping with her trademark sense of humor, she went on, “You might as well take a dirt nap if you mourn what you’ve lost in life at the expense of being thankful for what you have.”
