Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old aide to former President Donald Trump, has become the subject of intense scrutiny amid revelations about her close relationship with the former president and her dedication to his cause. The attention intensified following a public comment by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, which drew a forceful response from Trump's inner circle.
Recent events have placed Harp, who has been described as Trump's confidante for years and is sometimes called the 'human printer' for her habit of carrying stacks of news articles for him, at the center of media attention. In a video obtained by the Daily Mail, Harp was seen appearing to mouth an expletive and drive while looking at her phone after being filmed by a photographer. This incident occurred as she was reportedly on her way to the White House.
Aides and Allies React
The White House's communications director, Steven Cheung, branded Senator Ossoff as "the biggest cuck loser in politics," while spokesman Davis Ingle dismissed him as a "feminine theatre kid." Trump himself responded to a reporter's question about the situation with a dismissive remark.
Publicly, Harp has received unwavering support from Trump's inner circle. However, private accounts suggest the renewed scrutiny is taking a significant toll. Her estranged brother, Preston Harp, has described the relationship as "very unhealthy." He also noted Harp's lifelong fixation on working with Republican presidents, a dream that materialized with Trump. These comments, first reported in June, reportedly left Harp distraught.
White House officials have expressed concerns about Harp's security due to the heightened interest in her life. One official questioned the media's focus, asking, "Should we put the name of every girl who works for Jon Ossoff on the internet for everyone to openly criticize? I believe there is a double standard here."
Trump has reportedly told staffers that Harp's devotion is akin to that of his family, suggesting she is unlikely to leave his side for financial gain. A White House official described her as "relentless" and "smart."
Harp herself has alluded to her demanding work ethic, noting in a letter to Trump that she had been distracted, forgetting to eat and sleeping only a few hours at a time. A source familiar with their dynamic stated, "Trump, she sees him like the only father figure that she has... he is her entire world." Harp's father died by suicide in 2020.
Internal Questions and Friction
Despite the public show of support, some White House insiders have privately questioned Harp's behavior, with one senior administration official calling her "nuts" and others finding her conduct "obsessive."
Harp's close proximity to Trump has reportedly caused friction with other senior staff, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and outgoing Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. A White House official noted that Harp "has a direct line to the president outside of the control of Susie Wiles and Karoline Leavitt," which bypasses established protocols and can frustrate others.
Wiles, whose role involves managing access to the president, has denied any rift, stating, "Natalie is a hardworking professional who handles an extraordinarily demanding job with dedication and professionalism. She is a valued and important member of President Trump's team."
Another former administration official commented that Harp "doesn't follow a process and has never been asked by the president to follow a different process and I know that irritates many people."
Trump's son, Eric Trump, has vocally defended Harp, suggesting that any attacks against her would be met with strong repercussions, comparing it to how media would react to criticism of a Republican staffer. White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller's wife, Katie, defended Harp, stating that while public figures face scrutiny, Harp has "not put herself out there" and that looking into her personal life is "gross."
Sympathy has also come from women in the West Wing, who believe Harp is being targeted due to her gender. The intense focus on incidents like her riding in the trunk of an SUV to a court appearance in October 2023 has been described as unfair. A former White House staffer noted that such actions, while perhaps unusual, are not entirely uncommon for those in demanding roles.
While the White House publicly maintains that Harp is a loyal and hardworking aide and that no impropriety has been established in her relationship with the president, her unrestricted access to Trump remains a notable aspect of her role.