Trump reaches out to Savannah Guthrie as Arizona search for her mother intensifies

President Donald Trump contacted Savannah Guthrie in the past 24 hours as authorities escalated the search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who investigators believe was taken from her home in southern Arizona. The call—and a broader pledge of federal support—added a political spotlight to a fast-moving criminal investigation that local officials have described as urgent because of Nancy Guthrie’s medical needs.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on Saturday night, January 31, 2026, and was reported missing on Sunday, February 1, after she failed to show up for a routine commitment, officials said. Detectives have said evidence at the home points to her not leaving voluntarily.

What is known about the disappearance

Local authorities have treated the case as suspicious from the start, saying there were indicators at the residence that suggest Nancy Guthrie did not leave on her own. Investigators also said her health raises the stakes: she needs daily medication, and prolonged time without it could be life-threatening.

Officials have been careful about releasing details that could compromise the investigation. Public discussion has included talk of a possible ransom communication; key specifics around that claim have not been publicly confirmed, and law enforcement has not detailed what, if anything, was verified.

As of Thursday, February 5, 2026, detectives said they are still pursuing a large volume of tips and leads, and no suspect or person of interest has been publicly identified.

Family plea centers on proof of life

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings issued a video message directed at whoever may be holding their mother. The family emphasized that they are willing to communicate, but asked for clear proof that Nancy Guthrie is alive—arguing that manipulated audio or video can be easy to create and that certainty matters before any conversation can proceed.

The appeal also reinforced the health urgency. The family’s message focused on getting Nancy home safely and ensuring she can receive medication and care, while avoiding public threats or inflammatory language that could harden positions.

The family has also urged the public to keep attention on actionable information, not rumors, and to route credible tips directly to investigators.

Trump’s call and federal assistance offer

Trump’s outreach to Guthrie was framed as a gesture of support for her and her family, with an assurance that federal resources could be made available to assist local authorities. The White House has also amplified public awareness around the case, encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

Separately, Trump posted a statement on social media late Wednesday night, February 4, 2026, saying federal law enforcement resources were being directed to support the search, alongside public well-wishes for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.

The involvement does not change which agencies lead the day-to-day investigation, but it can expand access to personnel, analytical support, and coordination tools when local authorities request them.

Key takeaways

• Investigators say Nancy Guthrie likely did not leave voluntarily and needs daily medication.

• The family’s February 4 video appeal asked for proof of life and signaled openness to communicate.

• Federal resources have been offered to support local authorities as the search continues.

• Officials say tips are still being pursued, with no publicly identified suspect so far.

Why this story is drawing national attention

The case is drawing outsized attention because Guthrie is a prominent national anchor and interviewer, and because the circumstances are unusually alarming: an elderly person missing from home with signs suggesting coercion, plus medical vulnerability.

At the same time, investigators face a familiar challenge in high-profile cases—balancing public interest with operational secrecy. Too much detail can contaminate tips or invite opportunistic misinformation; too little can limit the public’s ability to help.

For political observers, Trump’s outreach is also notable in light of past tense exchanges between Guthrie and Trump in televised interviews. In this instance, the interaction has been presented publicly as personal sympathy and an offer of governmental support.

What to watch next

In the near term, the investigation’s pace will likely be driven by leads that can be verified quickly: credible sightings, digital or financial traces, and any communications that can be authenticated. Officials may share additional updates if a confirmed breakthrough occurs, though they may also remain quiet to protect sensitive lines of inquiry.

On Guthrie’s side, near-term public appearances and broadcast commitments remain uncertain as she focuses on the search alongside her family. Any schedule changes are expected to be handled internally, with colleagues filling in as needed.

For now, the central questions remain unchanged: where Nancy Guthrie is, whether she has access to her medication, and what evidence can most rapidly point investigators to her location.

Sources consulted: Reuters; Associated Press; CNN; Entertainment Weekly