In a heartfelt interview on “The Sage Steele Show,” Kathie Lee Gifford recounted a harrowing experience from 31 years ago when Donald Trump intervened to protect her and her newborn daughter, Cassidy, from a dangerous stalker. At the time, Gifford was scheduled to host the “Miss America” pageant in Atlantic City, a commitment that nearly turned tragic due to unforeseen threats.
The Emergence of the Threat
As Gifford prepared for her hosting duties, her husband, Frank Gifford, received a distressing call from the FBI. They informed him of a “psychopathic murderer” who had previously raped and tortured his own aunt. After his aunt managed to escape and alert authorities, the assailant declared his intention to target Kathie Lee Gifford. The FBI advised Frank to maintain their usual schedule to avoid alerting the stalker that law enforcement was aware of his plans. This meant Kathie Lee would proceed with her trip to Atlantic City as planned.
Donald Trump’s Intervention
Concerned for his family’s safety, Frank Gifford reached out to Donald Trump, a friend and prominent figure in Atlantic City. Upon hearing the situation, Trump immediately offered assistance. He arranged for his private helicopter to transport Kathie Lee, her six-week-old daughter Cassidy, and their nanny to Atlantic City, ensuring a secure and discreet journey. Upon their arrival, they were met by four members of Trump’s security team, who provided round-the-clock protection throughout their stay.
Kathie Lee’s Unawareness and Subsequent Realization
Interestingly, Kathie Lee was initially unaware of the gravity of the threat against her. She found Trump’s gesture puzzling, as he insisted on providing his helicopter for her travel, citing the recent birth of her daughter as the reason. She recalled questioning the necessity of such an arrangement, stating, “I said, ‘Donald, why?’ He said, ‘Because you’ve had a baby.’ I said, ‘Donald, women have babies every day. It’s no big deal.'” It wasn’t until she saw a newspaper headline about the incident that she grasped the full extent of the danger she and her daughter had been in.
The Aftermath and Gratitude
The swift actions taken by Trump and the security measures implemented ensured that Kathie Lee and her family remained safe during the event. The stalker was eventually apprehended, bringing an end to the immediate threat. Reflecting on the incident, Kathie Lee expressed profound gratitude towards Trump, stating, “That’s my friend. Donald saved my life, saved my daughter’s life.” She emphasized that despite any political differences or public perceptions, her personal experience with Trump showcased his willingness to help a friend in dire circumstances.
A Testament to Friendship
This episode highlights the complexities of personal relationships, especially those involving public figures. While Donald Trump is a polarizing figure in the political arena, Kathie Lee Gifford’s account offers a glimpse into a personal act of kindness and protection that transcended public opinion. It serves as a reminder that individual actions can profoundly impact lives, regardless of broader societal narratives.
In sharing this story, Kathie Lee Gifford sheds light on a lesser-known facet of her relationship with Trump, underscoring the importance of personal bonds and the lengths to which friends will go to support one another in times of crisis.
