Natalie Harp, a close aide to former President Donald Trump, has become a frequent presence in his public life, accompanying him to events ranging from the White House to his Mar-a-Lago residence. Amidst ongoing scrutiny of her role and relationship with Trump, fashion experts suggest Harp's consistent choice of nude, patent leather stiletto heels may be a deliberate strategy to command respect.
Fashion expert Rochelle White told the Daily Mail that Harp's footwear choice is a "powerful dress code" that "says a lot without saying anything." According to White, the nude heel, while not typically seen as bold, can project quiet authority and encourage observers to focus on the wearer's demeanor rather than their attire. "By wearing nude, she is saying 'take me seriously, not my shoes'," White explained. The neutral color also pairs well with colors such as navy, red, and green, which are often associated with "visual authority," White added, suggesting it aids Harp in navigating the political landscape.
Harp has drawn attention in recent weeks, including the recirculation of personal letters she wrote to Trump. In these letters, published by The New York Times, Harp described instances of neglecting sleep and food while working for the former president. One letter, written after a golf trip in Scotland in May 2023, expressed apologies for any embarrassment caused by her efforts to keep pace with Trump, stating she was "distracted all week (forgetting to eat throughout the days, and even forgetting to sleep, and only catching a couple hours at a time)."
Her dedication has also been noted in more challenging circumstances. In October 2023, Harp reportedly insisted on accompanying Trump to a New York court appearance, eventually riding in the trunk of an SUV after being told there was no space in the motorcade. According to CNN, this incident led to her becoming visibly upset with staffers, asserting Trump had personally requested her presence.
One advisor suggested that Trump values Harp's "100 percent committed and loyal" demeanor, noting that "she doesn't question, doesn't second guess." This loyalty has reportedly led to unusual arrangements, such as Harp spending the summer of 2023 in the women's locker room at Trump's Bedminster golf club to remain close to him and respond quickly to his calls.
In another instance, journalist Alex Isenstadt reported that Melania Trump encountered Harp late at night in Trump's private quarters at Mar-a-Lago, where Harp was delivering documents. Harp's proximity to Trump was highlighted again following an Iranian assassination threat after a NATO summit in Turkey, when she was among a select group of aides who switched planes with Trump, while cabinet secretaries and journalists were left behind. This decision drew criticism, with Senator Jon Ossoff remarking that Trump seemed more interested in personal travel with Harp than in his presidential duties.
Harp's relationship with Trump has also been described as "very unhealthy" by her estranged brother, Preston, who called the former president a "national embarrassment." Preston, who lives in Nicaragua, noted that his sister had a history of writing letters to presidents, having previously written to George W. Bush during the Iraq War as a teenager.