Trump Hints at Major Break in Nancy Guthrie Mystery: ‘We May Have a Definitive Suspect Soon’

President Donald Trump signaled Friday night that investigators may be closing in on a suspect in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie. His remarks came during an impromptu press briefing aboard Air Force One, where he suggested the case had entered a new phase.

Trump described what investigators shared with him as “very strong developments,” adding, “We could have some answers coming up fairly soon. I think we’re getting close.”

When a reporter pressed him on whether law enforcement had zeroed in on a suspect, Trump paused and said, “Yeah. Could be definitive.” He clarified that he was no longer talking about a “search,” but what he called “a solution to a terrible situation.”

Trump added, “A lot has taken place in the last couple of hours. More than the public knows. We’re going to get to the bottom of it.”

The comments immediately fueled speculation that investigators have identified a primary suspect but are withholding confirmation until evidence is secured.

Trump’s remarks came just as investigators began examining what they called a “potentially significant” ransom note linked to Guthrie’s disappearance. The letter was sent anonymously to KOLD 13 News in Tucson. The station has not released its contents, but a law enforcement source described it as “unusual enough to warrant serious attention.”

Authorities said they are analyzing the handwriting, paper fibers, and digital traces connected to the submission. An FBI official familiar with the case said agents are treating the letter as “neither dismissed nor confirmed,” adding, “We check everything. Especially now.”

Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanished on February 1 after failing to appear at church the following morning, something family members described as “completely out of character.” She was last seen at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday after her son-in-law dropped her off at her home following a family dinner.

Investigators now believe she was abducted while sleeping.

Her house was declared a crime scene within 24 hours. Deputies found no signs of forced entry, fueling theories that the kidnapper may have been watching the home or knew the family’s routine.

Earlier in the week, several media outlets reported receiving cryptic letters referencing Nancy’s name. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the tips and said, “We are following all leads and sharing all of them with the FBI.”

A sheriff’s spokesperson added, “We’re dealing with a fast-evolving situation. Nothing is being ignored.”

The FBI is now offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s safe return or the capture of those responsible. Special Agent in Charge Heith Janki expressed cautious optimism.

“We still believe Nancy may be alive,” Janki said during a Thursday briefing. “We are aware of a ransom letter. The family has been advised on all options, but ultimately any decision regarding ransom lies with them.”

He noted that one deadline included in a previous message had already passed. “Another deadline is approaching,” he said. “So for now, we are treating this as a standard kidnapping case with very real time pressures.”

The disappearance has drawn intense national attention not only because of Savannah Guthrie’s high profile, but because of the increasingly mysterious developments surrounding the investigation. Republican lawmakers have praised Trump for speaking publicly about the case, noting that previous administrations avoided commenting on active investigations.

A senior law enforcement analyst told us, “It’s extremely rare for a president to hint at a suspect before confirmation. That tells you something about the level of confidence investigators may have right now.”

Meanwhile, Trump’s allies argue his involvement brings urgency to a case that has shaken families across the Southwest.

“This president doesn’t sit back,” one Arizona congressman said. “If there’s movement behind the scenes, Trump will push hard until answers come out.”

As of Saturday morning, investigators remained tight-lipped. But Trump’s comment — “a solution… very soon” — has raised expectations that a major break could be imminent.