Celebrity Kathy Gifford Explains How Trump Helped Her Avoid Stalker
In a revealing interview on "The Sage Steele Show," Kathie Lee Gifford shared a harrowing story from 31 years ago, about how Donald Trump protected her and her newborn daughter, Cassidy, from a dangerous stalker. The incident unfolded after Cassidy’s birth, when Gifford was set to host the "Miss America" pageant in Atlantic City, a location tied to Trump’s Trump Plaza and Casino. Her late husband, Frank Gifford, received an FBI warning about a “psychopathic murderer” — a rapist and killer who had escaped after torturing his aunt — targeting Kathie Lee with a death threat. The FBI advised maintaining their routine, but Frank, unwilling to risk their safety, called Trump for help. Trump responded instantly, assuring Frank, “I’ve got your girls,” and took charge of their protection.
Trump arranged his helicopter to fly Gifford and Cassidy to Atlantic City, altering their travel to evade the stalker, and provided a robust security team throughout the event. Gifford, initially unaware of the threat, learned of it mid-pageant via a newspaper headline but completed her hosting duties alongside Regis Philbin. Afterward, she was safely rerouted home. The next day, while at a movie with her son Cody — who had been guarded by an FBI officer at their Connecticut home — an agent informed her the stalker was caught. Gifford credits Trump’s swift, decisive actions with saving her family, tearfully stating, “This is why I will love this man for my whole life.”
Gifford kept this story private for years, heeding Rev. Billy Graham’s advice to avoid politics, but now shares it to highlight Trump’s loyalty and kindness. Despite his polarizing image, she defends the Trump she knows — a friend who ensured her survival. This tale underscores a personal debt of gratitude and adds depth to Trump’s public persona.