Rep. Mike Collins, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, has strongly criticized Democratic incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff's remarks about White House aide Natalie Harp, labeling them "sexist" and "misogynist." The controversy stems from a comment Ossoff made during a campaign rally in Atlanta.
Ossoff, during his re-election campaign, stated, "He doesn't want to do the job. He wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the emir of Qatar." This remark, which drew applause from the rally attendees, was later criticized by conservatives who defended Harp, a 35-year-old aide who previously worked in the Trump White House.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Collins asserted that Ossoff's comment revealed a problematic view of women. "This guy has a problem, the way he has treated women, and it's all coming out in the open now," Collins said. He added, "When he will say that about someone who is out there doing a fantastic job and to suggest those types of things. Yeah, he owes not only her an apology, but the American people an apology."
Ossoff's campaign later sought to clarify the remarks, with the senator stating, "I’ve heard this particular aide referred to as his security blanket. And I think we could say that about any number of the senior aides in the White House. They’re not telling him what he needs to hear. They’re telling him what he wants to hear."
Harp gained public attention in 2019 when she credited the Trump administration's Right to Try Act with enabling her to access experimental treatment for a rare bone cancer. She subsequently joined Trump's 2020 campaign and later served as a special assistant to the president. Within Trump's circle, she earned the nickname "human printer" for her role in providing the president with printed materials.
Collins further argued that Ossoff's remarks were a personal attack on Harp, who he described as having "overcome so many odds." Collins stated, "He needs to tell us why he is attacking a young lady like Natalie Harp personally like that." He characterized Ossoff as a "trust-fund kid who's never had a job, who's out there denigrating women, and the vulgarity that he is insinuating and talking about- this young lady, Natalie Harp, who has overcome so many odds. It's just unbecoming."
The Republican candidate also broadened his criticism, suggesting Ossoff has a pattern of problematic views on gender issues. "There is a clear problem with him and females," Collins asserted. He also mentioned issues such as allowing men to participate in women's sports and restroom access, stating, "He can't even define a woman."
Collins believes that remarks like these, which he feels expose Ossoff's "true colors," are contributing to a tightening of polls in the competitive Georgia Senate race. He suggested Ossoff's comments were an attempt to boost his social media presence and generate public support. Fox News Digital reached out to Ossoff's campaign for comment.