President Donald Trump’s recent decision to ban CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House reportedly escalated after an aide presented him with videos of news hosts criticizing his administration. Trump announced the ban on Friday, baselessly accusing the outlets of spreading "fake news." By Saturday, reporters from these organizations were denied entry to the White House and had their credentials revoked.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that Trump’s frustration with the media reached a peak when aide Natalie Harp showed him videos featuring MS NOW hosts critical of his administration. The newspaper cited anonymous sources familiar with the situation. Harp presented the videos shortly before Trump initiated the media ban.
Natalie Harp, described as a close aide in her 30s, is frequently by the president's side. She was reportedly one of only three aides to depart Air Force One on a separate aircraft during a security concern over the plane potentially being shot down by Iran. Other officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, remained on the original plane.
Harp previously drew media attention in August after Senator Jon Ossoff mentioned her at a rally. Additionally, financial disclosures revealed that Trump had provided aides, including Harp, with cash gifts up to $45,000. Ethics experts have raised concerns about the legality and propriety of these gifts.
Harp has been referred to as “the human printer” for carrying a printer to provide Trump with printed copies of positive media coverage. New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman has described her as Trump's "comfort blanket" and "binkie."