Senator Jon Ossoff's recent remarks at a rally in Atlanta, where he commented on a Trump Organization aide named Natalie Harp, have drawn criticism from some quarters. Ossoff stated, "He doesn’t want to do the job; he wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie."
Critics, including columnist Miranda Devine in the New York Post, have characterized Ossoff's comment as a "sly attack" and "sexist," suggesting it implied an inappropriate relationship between President Trump and Harp. Devine wrote that Ossoff's comment was "disgustingly sly" and "backfired big time."
Natalie Harp, 35, has worked for the Trump Organization and is described as a loyal aide to former President Donald Trump. She has spoken publicly about her gratitude to Trump, attributing her access to experimental drugs during her battle with bone cancer in her 20s to his administration. Harp also worked at One America News Network before joining Trump's team.
Devine noted that Harp, who maintains a private life, has reportedly remained focused on her work. The commentary surrounding Ossoff's remarks also delved into Harp's personal background, including her recovery from cancer and her family's views on American exceptionalism. Her estranged brother, Preston Harp, was quoted by CNN stating that his sister's admiration for Trump was not based on physical attraction.
Some former Trump administration aides have also weighed in. Sarah Matthews, a former deputy press secretary, claimed the Secret Service was "alarmed" by Harp's closeness to the president, though Devine points out Matthews left the White House before Harp began working for Trump.
Ossoff's remarks have been criticized even by some within the Democratic party. David Axelrod, a former senior advisor to President Obama, called the comments "gratuitous and unnecessary."
In response to the criticism, Trump himself reportedly referred to Ossoff as "Pee Wee Herman," referencing actor Paul Reubens. Devine suggested that Ossoff's comments made him appear "grubby and sexist," which she argued was at odds with his cultivated image.