Natalie Harp has emerged as one of the most influential and fiercely loyal figures in Donald Trump ’s inner circle, despite remaining largely unknown to the wider public.
The Times also reported, citing two people familiar with the matter, that Trump once said Harp was the only person on his team who cared about him. Still, CNN reported that some senior aides have been frustrated by Harp’s presence during private meetings with Trump. From allegedly riding in an SUV trunk to keep up with Trump to becoming a key conduit for messages, news stories and Truth Social posts, Harp’s unusual access to the president has repeatedly raised eyebrows. The letters have fueled scrutiny of the unusually close relationship between the president and his aide. Ossoff referred to Trump’s travel with Harp aboard what he described as the president’s “apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the Emir of Qatar.
Because she could be present for sensitive conversations, the report said Harp repeatedly declined to begin the clearance process, while her close access to President Donald Trump raised concerns among some White House officials. Because of a threat from Iran, according to CNN report, the reference concerned an incident in July in which Trump secretly boarded a smaller aircraft while leaving Turkey.
Natalie Harp worked at the White House for more than a year without obtaining the security clearance typically required for West Wing staff, according to MS NOW . One Republican lawmaker told CNN that lawmakers sometimes contact Trump directly but make sure Harp knows about the communication. The lawmaker said Harp responds quickly and sometimes sends articles or notes to lawmakers on Trump’s behalf. One source said she has told others that she reports only to the president.
