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Ossoff clashes with Trump allies
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Sen. Jon Ossoff called Trump a 'draft-dodging, crook president' and mocked aide Natalie Harp. The clash highlights Trump's inner circle and Ossoff's rising national profile.
Background
Jon Ossoff, a Democratic senator from Georgia, has been sharply criticizing President Trump during his re-election campaign. His comments about Trump's handling of the war and his close aide Natalie Harp have drawn viral attention, fueling speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run.
How it unfolded
- Jul 23, 2026An Emerson College poll includes Ossoff as a possible 2028 Democratic nominee for the first time, showing him at 13%.
- Aug 17, 2026During a campaign appearance in Atlanta, Ossoff attacks Trump's handling of the US-Israel war on Iran and references aide Natalie Harp, saying Trump wants to 'travel with Natalie' instead of doing the job.
- Aug 18, 2026Ossoff doubles down on his comments, calling Trump aides like Harp a 'security blanket' and 'sycophants.' He also calls Trump a 'draft-dodging, crook president' while defending Sen. Mark Kelly in Georgia.
- Aug 19, 2026Natalie Harp's brother speaks out, saying her loyalty to Trump dates back to childhood. The White House slams Ossoff with name-calling in response.
Who’s saying what
- Ossoff
- Trump is a 'draft-dodging, crook president' who is surrounded by sycophants and doesn't want to do the job.
- White House
- The White House responded with name-calling, dismissing Ossoff's comments.
- Harp's brother
- Natalie Harp's loyalty to Trump is genuine and dates back to her childhood, as she wrote letters to previous presidents.
Still unverified
The claim that Trump built a ballroom and traveled with Natalie Harp on a 'flying palace' gifted by the emir of Qatar is based on Ossoff's statements and has not been independently confirmed.