Whispers and scrutiny have intensified around Natalie Harp, a young aide to former President Donald Trump, with some political figures and media outlets suggesting an inappropriate relationship.
Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff recently made a statement that drew attention, suggesting Trump "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 has been characterized by some as "sexist slander" and "deliberate and premeditated."
CNN's Brian Stelter commented that Ossoff's "travel with Natalie" line "showed a sophisticated understanding of the social media environment." The New York Times also noted that Harp "caught the president's eye" during a 2019 TV appearance, describing her as a "platinum blonde geyser of positivity, there to buck [Trump] up when the going gets rough."
These reports have prompted strong reactions from Trump allies. A close friend of the former president, who knows Harp, stated, "She works her a** off, she's a really good kid and loyal as can be. Jon Ossoff was way out of line, there was no reason to attack Natalie. She hasn't done anything wrong."
Harp, identified as Trump's "body woman," is reportedly always by his side. The arrangement of a president having a close aide is not unusual. President Barack Obama had Reggie, a former Duke basketball player, and Hillary Clinton was closely associated with Huma Abedin.
Harp has spoken about her personal connection to Trump, crediting him with saving her life. She was diagnosed with stage-two bone cancer in 2018 and, after unsuccessful chemotherapy, underwent a non-FDA approved treatment facilitated by Trump's Right-to-Try legislation. "I'm not dying from cancer any more thanks to President Trump, I'm living with cancer," she stated.
She is also known as "the human printer," reportedly carrying a portable printer to provide news articles for Trump.
Reports have also surfaced regarding notes Harp has left for Trump, described as bordering on the bizarre. One note read, "I also am sorry if I was an embarrassment walking the course in Scotland." Another mentioned her being "distracted all week (forgetting to eat throughout the days, and even forgetting to sleep, and only catching a couple hours at a time)."
Trump's first term also saw rumors of body doubles and "fake Melanias," particularly as Melania Trump made fewer public appearances. The current scrutiny of Harp comes amid a period where she is undertaking fewer public duties.
Some commentators have pushed back against the insinuations, arguing that focusing on a "hardworking cancer survivor" to score political points is "rancid."