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Natalie Harp letters to Trump

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The gist

The Daily Beast published two private letters from White House aide Natalie Harp to President Trump, showing her devotion. The letters, written in 2023, reveal her calling Trump her 'Guardian.

Background

Natalie Harp, a White House aide, has been under scrutiny for her close relationship with President Trump. The letters, written during a May 2023 golf trip to Scotland and Ireland, were published by The Daily Beast after The New York Times previously reported on them. They show Harp's intense devotion, including phrases like 'You are all that matters to me' and apologies for perceived missteps. Her role as a 'human printer' during the 2024 campaign and her lack of security clearance have also drawn attention.

How it unfolded

  1. May 2023Harp writes letters to Trump during or after his golf trip to Scotland and Ireland, expressing devotion and apologizing.
  2. Aug 18, 2026CNN reports on Harp's close relationship with Trump, including her riding in an SUV trunk and being dubbed 'human printer'.
  3. Aug 19, 2026U.S. News explains why Harp is in the news, citing her letters and her loyalty.
  4. Aug 20, 2026The Guardian reports on questions over Harp's security clearance, and Time publishes a profile of Harp.
  5. Aug 21, 2026The Daily Beast publishes the full letters, and Slate offers a critical analysis of them.

Who’s saying what

Official
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Harp is 'one of the most loyal and hardest-working aides on President Trump's team.'
Critics
Some commentators and former officials view the letters as sycophantic and inappropriate for a White House aide, questioning her fitness for the role.
Supporters
Harp's supporters point to her loyalty and dedication, noting her personal story of surviving bone cancer and her advocacy for the Right to Try law.

Still unverified

The letters were published by The Daily Beast, but their authenticity has not been independently verified. The exact nature of Harp's relationship with Trump remains speculative.

Sources

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