Trump labels Nancy Guthrie case a ‘very sad situation’ during White House press gaggle
Fox News’ Peter Doocy: “Based on what you’ve been told what do you think happened to Savannah Guthrie’s mom?”
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) February 19, 2026
President Trump: “Boy it's so crazy. It's so bad. I didn't like when they were talking about they're going after the pacemaker… If in fact they could do it that way,… pic.twitter.com/BJrRcDdAnc
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump described the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie as a 'very sad situation' during a briefing aboard Air Force One after being asked what he believed happened. Responding to a question from Fox News’ Peter Doocy, Trump said the case was troubling and raised concerns about how certain investigative details have been discussed publicly.
Nancy, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for more than two weeks after she was last seen on January 31 at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona.
Trump calls Nancy Guthrie case a ‘very sad situation'
When asked by a reporter what he believed may have happened, Trump described the situation as “crazy” and “very bad.”
“Boy, it’s so, so crazy, so bad,” he said, criticizing media coverage surrounding investigative details. Trump referenced reports about authorities potentially tracking Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker and questioned the strategy of discussing such specifics publicly.
“If in fact they could do it that way, the person would say, ‘Well I’m not gonna let that happen,’ right?” he said. “I can’t imagine why they would’ve done that just in terms of strategy.”
Trump added that the press should expand its coverage beyond the case. “We have to start reporting on other subjects also and see what happens. It’s a very sad situation,” he said.
His remarks came days after he suggested that those responsible could face the most severe federal penalties if Nancy Guthrie is not returned safely. In a February 16 phone interview with the New York Post, Trump said that if she is found dead, those involved could face the death penalty under federal law.
He also praised former FBI agent Nicole Parker for her commentary on Fox News and reiterated his support for the ongoing investigation in a post on Truth Social, expressing hope for a positive outcome.
Investigators share DNA testing and FBI tip updates in Tucson search
February 19 marked the 19th day since Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home near Tucson. Investigators believe she may have been taken against her will.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department shared new details about the investigation, including updates on DNA testing and tips provided through the FBI. Authorities recovered DNA from gloves found near the scene, but federal databases have not produced a match so far.
David Mittelman, CEO of Othram, said specialists are continuing to test additional biological evidence collected from the property. He explained that testing must be done carefully because each analysis can consume part of the limited DNA sample.
As the case approaches four weeks, internal tensions have surfaced within local law enforcement. Richard Carmona, a former chief deputy with the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, praised frontline investigators but criticized senior leadership, saying stronger direction is needed.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos responded on February 19, saying, “Right now, our focus is on this investigation and serving the victims and this community. Internal or political commentary distracts from this active investigation, and it is very unfortunate. My focus remains on justice and transparency.”
