In a recent interview on “The Sage Steele Show,” Kathie Lee Gifford shared a harrowing experience from the 1990s when former President Donald Trump played a pivotal role in protecting her and her newborn daughter, Cassidy, from a dangerous individual.
In 1993, Gifford was preparing to host the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. At that time, she had a six-week-old daughter, Cassidy. Her husband, Frank Gifford, received a call from the FBI informing him of a serious threat against Kathie Lee. The FBI described the threat as coming from a “psychopathic murderer—a rapist and murderer” who was targeting Kathie Lee.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the FBI advised Frank to proceed with their plans to avoid alerting the potential assailant. However, Frank was understandably concerned for his family’s safety. He reached out to Donald Trump, who owned the Miss America franchise at the time, to inform him of the threat. Trump responded reassuringly, saying, “Frank, don’t you worry about it. I’ve got your girls.”
True to his word, Trump arranged for a helicopter to transport Kathie Lee and Cassidy to Atlantic City, ensuring they wouldn’t have to travel by car. Upon arrival, four of Trump’s security personnel were assigned to protect Kathie Lee throughout her stay. One guard was stationed outside her hotel room for the entire week, providing constant surveillance. Kathie Lee was unaware of the threat until she saw a newspaper headline reading, “Kathie Lee Gifford, death threat.”
The following day, while at the movies with her son, an FBI agent approached Kathie Lee to inform her that the individual who had threatened her had been apprehended. Reflecting on the incident, Kathie Lee expressed her gratitude, stating, “That’s my friend. Donald saved my life, saved my daughter’s life, and if I called him today, he would save it again.”
This account highlights a lesser-known aspect of Donald Trump’s character, showcasing his willingness to assist and protect those in need, regardless of their public status. Kathie Lee Gifford’s story serves as a testament to the unexpected acts of kindness that can occur, even among public figures.