Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old White House aide, has emerged as a focal point of political discussion due to her unwavering loyalty and close working relationship with former President Donald Trump. Nicknamed 'the human printer,' Harp's primary role involves carrying a portable printer to keep Trump instantly updated with positive coverage.
Her prominent presence has drawn criticism from political opponents, including Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, who commented on Harp accompanying Trump on a plane during a rally. Ossoff suggested that aides like Harp may be telling Trump what he wants to hear rather than what he needs to hear, particularly during times of national concern. The intense reaction from Trump's team to Ossoff's remarks has, in turn, fueled further speculation.
Harp joined Trump's staff in 2022 and quickly became known for her deep devotion, reportedly stunning other aides after the January 6th Capitol attack. Her written correspondence to Trump reveals a profound sense of admiration, with one letter stating, 'You’re all that matters to me.' Trump himself has described Harp as the only person who loves him as much as his wife and children. Political journalist Alex Isenstadt noted that Harp's dedication is such that she once stayed late in Trump's private quarters at Mar-a-Lago to ensure printed updates were available.
Morgan Housel, a financial blogger, once famously stated, "The four most dangerous words in the English language are 'This time it's different.'" The same sentiment could arguably apply to the often-unpredictable world of politics, where unwavering loyalty, however, can sometimes lead to unexpected prominence.
Trump chronicler Michael Wolff described Harp as a significant figure in Trump's political and personal life, noting that individuals around the former president were initially baffled by her rapid rise and some even considered her 'dangerous.' The White House has defended Harp, calling her 'one of the most loyal and hardest-working aides' on Trump's team.
Harp's dedication was exemplified in 2023 when she reportedly squeezed into the boot of an SUV to accompany Trump to a New York court appearance, after there was no room for her in the official vehicles.
A Christian from California, Harp was homeschooled by a conservative mother. Her estranged brother, Preston, a self-described Communist, has described their relationship as 'very unhealthy' and believes Harp is 'infatuated' with Trump.
Harp first gained Trump's attention in 2019 after an interview on Fox News where she discussed the benefits of his federal healthcare changes. He recruited her to his campaign shortly after. She addressed the 2020 Republican National Convention, stating that she would not be alive if not for Trump. Following her father's death by suicide that same year, she and her mother moved to Florida to be closer to Trump's Mar-a-Lago headquarters. Reports indicate she sometimes slept in changing rooms at his golf club to remain close to him.
As a 'Special Assistant to the President and Executive Assistant to the President,' Harp earns a reported salary of £110,000 and is said to assist in composing some of Trump's posts on his social media platform, Truth Social. These have reportedly included reposting controversial content.
While Trump insiders emphasize that he views Harp as akin to a child, comments made by Trump in 2006 about his daughter Ivanka have led some to remain skeptical.