Television personality Kathie Lee Gifford recently revealed how former President Donald Trump played a crucial role in protecting her and her newborn daughter from a violent stalker more than 30 years ago.

During an interview on The Sage Steele Show, the 71-year-old former Live! with Regis and Kathie Lee host became emotional as she recounted the harrowing experience from 1993.

At the time, she was traveling to Atlantic City to host the Miss America pageant when the FBI informed her late husband, Frank Gifford, that she was the target of a serious threat.

100% FREE Gun Law Map CLICK HERE

Gifford recalled that she had given birth to her daughter, Cassidy, just six weeks prior and was preparing to drive three hours to Atlantic City with her baby and a nanny when Frank received an urgent call from the FBI.

“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,’” Gifford shared.

According to the FBI, the suspect had a violent history, including the rape and torture of his own aunt.

The woman had managed to escape and call the police, at which point the man declared he was going after Gifford.

Dennis Quaid’s #1 Warning for Americans

The FBI advised Frank to continue with their travel plans as usual to avoid tipping off the suspect.

However, before agreeing, Frank made a critical phone call—to Donald Trump.

At the time, Gifford regularly stayed at Trump’s properties while in Atlantic City, making it easy for the suspect to track her location.

Frank reached out to Trump to explain the situation, and the businessman immediately took action.

“And this is why I will love this man for my whole life,” Gifford said, tearing up.

“He said, ‘Frank, don’t you worry about it. I’ve got your girls. I’ve got your girls. And don’t you worry.’”

Trump arranged for Gifford, her daughter, and her nanny to be transported safely to Atlantic City via his private helicopter instead of making the planned drive.

Gifford was unaware of the threat at the time and was confused by the sudden change in travel arrangements.

She recalled questioning Trump about the helicopter, to which he casually replied, “Because you’ve had a baby.”

When she tried to decline, he insisted, sending the helicopter the next day.

I wish more people shared these stories of the real Donald Trump. This is the first time I had heard this one. Thank you for sharing ⁦@KathieLGifford⁩ ⁦@sagesteele⁩ ❤️ pic.twitter.com/e4tupWft6w

— Michelle Maxwell (@MichelleMaxwell) February 21, 2025

Upon arriving at Trump’s hotel, Gifford was met by four members of Trump’s security team, who informed her, “Mrs. Gifford, Mr. Trump wants you to know that we’re here for you.”

Throughout the week leading up to the Miss America pageant, Gifford remained under constant protection. Every day, her security detail grew, yet she remained unaware of the real reason behind it.

It wasn’t until the day of the pageant that she finally realized what had been happening.

Walking through the hotel lobby, she spotted a newspaper headline about the death threat against her.

“I understood everything,” she said. “I understood what Donald had done. I understood what Frank had done to try to say, you know, not be afraid.”

Despite the danger, Gifford refused to back out of hosting the event.

“I said, ‘Hell, no,’” she recalled. “Nobody’s going to make me afraid.”

After the pageant, she was taken home using a different route.

She later learned that an FBI officer had been stationed at her home in Connecticut to guard her 3-year-old son, Cody.

The next day, Gifford took Cody to a movie theater, where she was approached mid-film by an FBI agent.

“In the middle of the movie, one of the FBI guys comes over and goes, ‘Mrs. Gifford, we got this son of a b—-,’” she said. “I said, ‘Thank you so much.’”

Gifford explained that she had rarely shared this story publicly due to advice she once received from the late Rev. Billy Graham, who encouraged her to avoid discussing politics.

However, she now feels compelled to speak up.

“I’m ready to now because, first of all, Billy’s gone. I saw him right before he died,” she said.

Though she admitted she sometimes disagrees with Trump’s rhetoric, she made it clear that her personal experience with him speaks volumes.

“That’s my friend Donald,” Gifford said.

“Saved my life. Saved my daughter’s life. And if I called him today, [he] would save it again.”

Go Ad-Free, Get Exclusive Shows and Content, Go Premium Today - $1 Trial

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of DrewBerquist.com. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.