Former President Donald Trump personally directed his longtime secretary, Natalie Harp, to complete her security clearance after she had refused to cooperate with security officials for more than a year. Harp, 35, had repeatedly declined to complete the standard security-clearance process required for West Wing staffers and presidential aides who are regularly exposed to classified information.
Trump's intervention came after White House lawyers and security officials briefed him on their growing concerns regarding Harp's non-compliance, according to MS NOW. The specific reasons for Harp's initial refusal to complete the necessary paperwork remain unclear. In recent months, she has reportedly submitted the form for a federal background investigation and obtained the clearance.
The absence of a security clearance for Harp, who has largely unrestricted access to Trump as his personal secretary, had been noted as an unusual concern by members of Trump's inner circle over the past year. She remains close by his side, providing him with news articles, social media posts, and other information.
Harp recently came under scrutiny after being identified as one of the few aides Trump took on a plane during a July incident involving an Iranian assassination threat. This decision drew criticism from Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.
Resurfaced personal letters written by Harp to Trump have also gained attention. In one letter, she described neglecting to eat and sleep, stating, "You are all that matters to me."
Her dedication to remaining near Trump has been evident in several instances. During Trump's May 2023 golf trip to Scotland, Harp reportedly ran behind his golf cart because no other vehicles were available. She later apologized in a letter, expressing concern about being an embarrassment.
In October 2023, Harp rode in the trunk of an SUV to accompany Trump to a New York court appearance after being told there was no room in the motorcade. According to CNN, she became upset and insisted Trump had personally asked her to join him.
Journalist Michael Wolff reported that Harp spent the summer of 2023 sleeping in the women's locker room at Trump's Bedminster golf club to stay close to him. Additionally, journalist Alex Isenstadt reported that Melania Trump once encountered Harp late at night in Trump's private quarters at Mar-a-Lago, an area typically restricted to family members.
