Natalie Harp close Trump aide
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The gist
Natalie Harp, Trump's closest aide, worked at the White House without security clearance for a year. Her proximity to the president has sparked internal frustration and public scrutiny.
Background
Natalie Harp, 35, is a special assistant and executive assistant to President Trump, known for being ever-present and filtering information he sees. She gained public attention after Sen. Jon Ossoff mentioned her at a campaign event, and after reports that she was among the few aides who traveled with Trump on a secret plane from Turkey due to an Iranian threat. Her role has raised questions about her influence and the unusual access she has to the president.
How it unfolded
- Jan 2025Trump returned to the White House; Harp began working there without a security clearance, declining multiple times over more than a year to seek one.
- May 30, 2025Harp was seen placing a computer playing a news report about the stock market during a press conference in the Oval Office.
- Mar 29, 2026Harp listened to Trump in the Marine One helicopter arriving at the White House from Florida.
- Aug 16, 2026Harp and Trump exited Marine One on the Ellipse near the White House.
- Aug 18, 2026Sen. Jon Ossoff mentioned Harp at a campaign event, leading to a White House backlash. Reports emerged about her lack of security clearance and her role.
- Aug 19, 2026NBC News reported that Harp had worked without a security clearance for a year, and that she ultimately relented after pressure from White House staff.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- White House spokesman Davis Ingle called Harp 'one of the most loyal and hardest working aides on President Trump's team' and dismissed Ossoff's remarks as 'cringeworthy.'
- Critics
- Sen. Jon Ossoff suggested Trump would rather 'travel with Natalie' than do the hard work of being commander in chief, implying undue influence.
- Insiders
- Some White House aides are frustrated by Harp's proximity and the fact she filters much of the information Trump sees, operating outside the usual chain of command.
- Supporters
- One person familiar with the matter described Harp and Trump's relationship as 'father-daughter,' and a Republican lawmaker noted they always make sure Harp is aware of their outreach.
Still unverified
Rumors about a romantic relationship between Harp and Trump are unfounded, according to one person close to the White House. The exact reasons for her initial refusal to seek a security clearance are not fully disclosed.