Kathie Lee Gifford recently shared an unforgettable story on the Sage Steele Podcast, revealing a lesser-known chapter of her life that left listeners in awe. Dressed in a cozy knitted sweater and jeans, the iconic TV host and singer-songwriter reflected on her long career, the pain of losing her husband, Frank Gifford, and her complex friendship with President Donald Trump.
The conversation took a surprising turn when Kathie recalled a terrifying incident from 31 years ago, just as she was preparing to host the Miss America Pageant. With her newborn daughter by her side, the FBI contacted Frank with an urgent warning: a dangerous criminal had targeted Kathie. The FBI advised Frank to act normal so the suspect wouldn’t realize he was being watched. However, Frank didn’t want to take any chances. Fearing for the safety of his wife and child, he reached out to someone he trusted deeply—Donald Trump.
Kathie became emotional as she shared Trump’s comforting words: “Frank, don’t worry about it. I’ve got your girls. I’ve got your girls, and don’t you worry.” Frank, reassured, called the FBI back, telling them that Trump had promised to handle the situation. Kathie, unaware of the danger, went on with her day.
The following day, Trump called her directly, arranging for a private helicopter to ensure she and her daughter’s safe return home. He also sent a security team to protect her, keeping trained professionals nearby until the threat was eliminated. Kathie recalled the moment she realized the severity of the situation, noting the presence of four of Trump’s security guards. For days, she had round-the-clock protection, with armed guards stationed outside her hotel room. It wasn’t until the morning of the pageant that she fully understood the gravity of the threat when she read a newspaper headline about a death threat against her—something she had been oblivious to at the time.
Despite the terrifying revelation, Kathie refused to cancel her hosting duties. When asked if she wanted to bow out, her response was resolute: “Hell no! Nobody’s going to make me afraid.” The pageant went ahead as scheduled, with Trump’s security team close by. Afterward, Kathie was discreetly escorted home via a safer route.
Unbeknownst to her, an FBI agent had been stationed at her home in Connecticut to protect her son, Cody, who was just three years old. A few days later, while at the movies with Cody, an agent informed her that the suspect had been captured. Kathie expressed deep gratitude for Trump’s intervention, saying, “That’s my friend. Donald saved my life, saved my daughter’s life, and if I called him today, he would save it again.”
Her story offered a rare glimpse of Trump’s loyal and protective side—willing to go to great lengths for his friends. Kathie’s podcast appearance wasn’t her only recent headline; just weeks earlier, she made a surprise appearance on Today for Hoda Kotb’s farewell episode, sparking a wave of reactions online.
During the emotional farewell, Kathie appeared on-screen in a pre-recorded message, joking about being busy but sending warm wishes to Hoda. Then, to Hoda’s surprise, Kathie entered the studio, wearing a black lace dress, and was greeted with applause. Despite some online speculation about her appearance, many fans praised her enduring beauty, with some calling her “better than ever.”