Savannah Guthrie's Missing Mother: Trump Willing to Lend Federal Agents to Search for Nancy Guthrie

Amid mounting fear and uncertainty, TODAY journalist Savannah Guthrie and her family are facing every parent's worst nightmare after the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, escalated into a full crime investigation.

Days after an initial missing person report, authorities confirmed that Nancy was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, in the middle of the night.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department stressed that Nancy would not have wandered off despite her age, noting she is of 'sound mind' and does not have dementia. Her mobility issues also ruled out that possibility, with her family telling investigators their mother 'couldn't walk 50 yards.'

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said, 'And so we know she couldn't get far from that home unless she was removed from that home.'

Upon learning of the situation involving Savannah Guthrie's mother, with whom he said he has 'always got along very good'—President Donald Trump described the disappearance as a 'terrible thing.' He announced his willingness to lend and deploy federal agents to assist the Pima County Sheriff's Department in the search for Nancy.

Trump Offers Federal Support In Search Efforts

During a press conference at the Oval Office on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, President Trump expressed concern over Nancy's disappearance, calling it a 'terrible thing' and a 'very unusual situation.'

'I think it's a terrible thing. I always got along very good with Savannah. Very unusual situation, but we're going to find out,' Trump told reporters after signing legislation to end a partial government shutdown.

The president was asked whether he would commit to lending and deploying federal agents to help in the search for the 84-year-old. Trump responded, 'Sure. I plan to call on her later.'

What Authorities Say Happened Inside Nancy's Home

Nancy was reported missing on Sunday, 1 February 2026, after being last seen at her home in Catalina Foothills in Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday, 31 January 2026, at around 9:30pm local time.

Family members were alerted by a church member that Nancy didn't attend her usual Sunday service, and when her family checked on her, the 84-year-old was nowhere to be found. Nancy's sudden disappearance has prompted an emergency call. She was initially treated as a missing person case.

However, as authorities searched her home, it has since escalated into a crime investigation as police found 'suspicious circumstances' around her disappearance.

Sheriff Nanos said, 'We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us.' He also said that the investigators believe that Nancy was taken from her bed in the middle of the night.

'At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night. Taken against her will includes possible kidnapping or abduction,' he said.

Nancy's personal items, such as her phone, wallet, and car, were all still at her home when police began looking for her, and detectives searched her property.

Furthermore, Nancy's family told the sheriff that the 84-year-old needs to take a life-saving medication.

'The clock is literally ticking,' the sheriff said, adding, 'We were told that if she didn't get her meds, it can be fatal.'

Savannah released a statement on Monday, expressing her gratitude for the 'thoughts, prayers, and messages of support' she has received from people. She also thanked the authorities and encouraged everyone with 'information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department at 520-351-4900.'

She said, 'Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.'

Alleged Bitcoin Ransom Note Raises Alarms

Another development on Nancy's abduction was an 'alleged ransom note' that TMZ received via email containing a demand for a substantial payment in Bitcoin for Nancy's safe release.

The note has specified an amount for ransom which the outlet reported to be in millions, and directed that the cryptocurrency be sent to a specific Bitcoin address—one that TMZ claimed to have verified as legitimate.

Furthermore, the message includes a strict deadline and threatens an 'or else' ultimatum. As proof, the sender has detailed items that were damaged inside Nancy's Tucson home.

TMZ has since forwarded the email to the Pima County Sheriff's Department for investigation.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department has also posted on X, stating that they are 'aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie.'

They added, 'We are taking all tips and leads very seriously. Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBl.'

The department also encouraged those who may have any information about Nancy to come forward and help the authorities find the 84-year-old.