Melania Trump's team has responded to speculation surrounding President Donald Trump's aide Natalie Harp and their close working relationship. Marc Beckman, the first lady's top spokesman, dismissed the rumors in an interview Wednesday, calling the "liberal media ridiculous" for focusing on gossip instead of the first lady's achievements.
"They don't know anything about the first lady's personal and private life," Beckman told host Stella Escobedo. "They don't even take the time to put us on air to cover these incredible achievements that our first lady has accomplished."
Beckman defended Harp, 35, who has been called the "human printer" for her role in accompanying the president with a portable printer and providing him with printed copies of news articles and social media posts throughout the day.
"What they need to do is look in the mirror because they’re all attacking this hardworking, very talented, very intelligent person in Natalie Harp," Beckman added. "And they're obsessed with the gossip with the first family. And I can tell you firsthand that it’s time for them to become journalists and stop looking at the gossip."
The public attention on Trump and Harp intensified in August when Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff stated at a rally that Trump would prioritize "building his ballroom and traveling with Natalie" over his presidential duties. This comment alluded to an incident in Turkey where Harp was among a select few aides who stayed with Trump on a decoy jet, while senior cabinet officials, including Marco Rubio and Scott Bessent, remained on a separate aircraft during a period of heightened security concerns regarding a potential Iranian assassination threat.