In a story of hidden protection and covert action, Kathie Lee Gifford recently revealed an incident involving Donald Trump from over three decades ago that ensured her and her newborn daughter's safety against a dangerous stalker.
Recounting the experience on The Sage Steele Show, Gifford shared how Trump's private helicopter shielded her from imminent danger when a threat was issued against her life as she prepared to host the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City 31 years ago, Daily Mail reported.
During a distressing time, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) informed Gifford's late husband, Frank Gifford, about a credible threat. The warning centered on a "psychopathic murderer" threatening Kathie Lee Gifford, revealing the stalker's intent after receiving critical information from an escaped victim, his own aunt.
Former television host Kathie Lee Gifford, now 71, chose to recount this tense chapter of her life on The Sage Steele Show. Though unknown to her at the time, the threat was serious enough to involve the FBI, who advised Frank Gifford to stick to their itinerary, likely to prevent tipping off the perpetrator.
Wary of proceeding without additional help, Frank Gifford turned to a friend for help. His call to Donald Trump marked the beginning of an elaborate security measure that kept his family safe without Kathie Lee realizing the true danger until much later.
With the Miss America pageant set in Atlantic City, the Gifford family's routine lodging choice at the Trump Plaza and Casino would have made them an easy target. In a bid to counter that predictability, Trump extended an unexpected offer of security.
The offer from Donald Trump came under the pretense of congratulating Gifford on “her recent childbirth,” disguising the real need for the assistance—a means to discreetly protect her from the looming threat. This gesture included lending his private helicopter to transport Gifford, her newborn daughter, and a nanny safely to their destination.
Gifford admitted she was initially oblivious to these arrangements. 'But he never said a word. Nobody said a word to me,' she recalled, indicating the thorough secrecy maintained to disguise the protective measure.
Upon arrival in Atlantic City, a team of Trump's security detail met Gifford, providing an unspoken barrier between her family and potential danger. Despite these precautions, Gifford continued with her pageant duties unaware of how close the threat loomed.
In a twist of fate, Kathie Lee Gifford proceeded with hosting the pageant, embracing the risk with a resolve defined by her statement: 'Hell no... nobody's going to make me afraid.' This determination colored her decision to not let fear dictate her actions.
The FBI called my husband, and they said, 'Mr. Gifford, we have a problem. There's this guy. This is a very, very bad human being. [He] was a psychopathic murderer — a rapist and murderer. And he's coming to get your wife.'
Eventually, the pursuit of the perpetrator culminated in his capture. Kathie Lee Gifford was finally informed of the successful apprehension while attending a film in Connecticut with her son, marking the end of a terrifying ordeal. The responsibility of relaying the news of the suspect's arrest fell to the FBI, ensuring Gifford could breathe easier with the threat averted. Her reaction, succinct yet telling, reflected relief: 'Thank you so much.'
This revelation highlights the quiet yet impactful involvement of Donald Trump in safeguarding a fellow public figure, protecting a family from potential calamity. The instance reflects a rare alliance in otherwise separate public lives, a crossover of showbiz and corporate influence.
The undercover generosity and influence reveal a dimension of civic responsibility, emphasizing how even those stories untold for decades can underscore intricate connections between prominent public figures and high-stakes situations. Through the layers of revelation about this past incident, Kathie Lee Gifford presents a story emphasizing heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the lengths taken by those around her, shifting an unseen chapter into public dialogue.
