President Donald Trump said Friday that investigators are making “progress” in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, as the case approaches the two-week mark and federal authorities continue to intensify their efforts.
Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for North Carolina, Trump addressed questions about the status of the investigation and the role of federal law enforcement.
“[The FBI] took it over originally. It was a local case originally, and they didn’t want to let go of it, which is fine,” Trump said. When pressed on why the FBI was not the lead agency overseeing the probe, the president replied, “It’s up to them, it’s really up to the community but ultimately where the FBI got involved, I think, you know, progress has been made.”
Guthrie has now been missing for 12 days. As concern continues to mount, investigators are pursuing multiple leads and examining new evidence. In the latest development, authorities located a pair of black gloves near her home in Tucson, Arizona. The gloves are being sent for DNA analysis as officials work to determine whether they are connected to her disappearance.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has reported that nearly 18,000 calls have poured into the tip line related to the case, underscoring the level of public attention and concern surrounding the investigation.
Meanwhile, outside parties have also claimed to possess information. TMZ founder Harvey Levin said the outlet received a letter from an individual who claimed to know the kidnapper and stated that attempts had been made to contact Guthrie’s family without success. The letter demanded one bitcoin be sent to an address that TMZ confirmed was active.
Federal authorities have not confirmed any connection between the letter and the ongoing investigation.
The FBI announced Wednesday that agents were sweeping roadways along Arizona’s Catalina Foothills as part of an expanded search effort. The bureau’s Phoenix field office described the operation as an “extensive search” of the area in hopes of uncovering new evidence.
Investigators also released surveillance footage of an armed, masked man seen outside Guthrie’s home on the same night she vanished. The FBI has stated that it is investigating “persons of interest,” though no suspects have been publicly identified at this time.
Savannah Guthrie, Nancy’s daughter and host of the “Today” show, shared the video of the masked individual on Instagram Wednesday, urging the public to help identify the figure.
“Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home,” Savannah Guthrie wrote.
When asked whether cartels might be involved in the disappearance, President Trump cautioned that it was too early to reach such conclusions.
“Somebody either knew what they were doing very well or they were ranked amateurs. Either way, it’s not a good situation,” he said.
In a move aimed at encouraging further cooperation from the public, officials on Friday doubled the reward for information leading to the kidnapper to $100,000.
As federal and local authorities continue to coordinate efforts, the president expressed confidence that meaningful progress is being made. For Guthrie’s family and the broader community, the hope remains that the growing search will soon bring answers — and bring her home.
