David Axelrod says Jon Ossoff's Natalie Harp jab distracted from his Trump critique
Former Obama adviser David Axelrod argued that Senator Jon Ossoff’s mention of Natalie Harp in a recent speech was unnecessary and took focus away from his broader attack on Donald Trump.
On X, former Obama strategist David Axelrod commended Senator Jon Ossoff’s recent indictment of Donald Trump’s conduct regarding the Iran war but criticized a brief reference to “with Natalie” as an unnecessary flourish that amplified the speech’s viral spread. Ossoff delivered the remarks at a campaign rally in Atlanta, alleging that Trump sleeps through meetings, golfs, and trades stocks while the navy fights, and that he travels with his 35-year-old aide Natalie Harp on a Qatar-gifted aircraft.
The line quickly went viral, prompting accusations of sexism from Trump supporters and a retort from Trump calling Ossoff a “Pee-wee Herman look-alike.” When pressed by former White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Ms. Now, Ossoff shifted the focus to the broader group of sycophants surrounding the president. The controversy arises as Ossoff campaigns for a second term against Republican Rep. Mike Collins in a Georgia Senate contest that remains competitive despite a Cook Political Report lean toward Democrats.
Why it matters
The debate highlights how personal attacks can shape political messaging in a tight Senate race.
How this story developed
- Aug 12 Scott Jennings Emerges as Leading Candidate to Succeed Karoline Leavitt as White House Press Secretary
- Aug 13 Leavitt’s resignation was announced as a decision to focus on her family.
- Aug 14 Additional potential candidates such as Stephen Cheung, Stephen Miller and Matthew Boyle have entered the speculation.
- Aug 14 Katie Miller was taken off the list of candidates for press secretary.
- Aug 14 Jen Psaki publicly criticized Leavitt, calling her a liar and alleging she avoided tough questions.
- Aug 16 Multiple senior officials, including White House counsel and a deputy national security adviser, have resigned as Leavitt prepares to leave.
- Aug 16 Biographer Maggie Haberman said President Donald Trump kept aide Natalie Harp close as his “human binkie” while slipping out of Turkey in July.
- Aug 18 White House officials issued a rebuke following Ossoff’s rally comments about Natalie Harp.
- Aug 18 White House officials used profanity‑laden insults toward Ossoff in their rebuttal.
- Aug 18 Leavitt announced her resignation effective at month’s end.
- Aug 18 It was disclosed that Harp is a bone‑cancer survivor who attributes her recovery to the 2018 Right‑to‑Try Act.
- Aug 18 Megyn Kelly condemned Senator Jon Ossoff’s remarks about President Trump’s close aide Natalie Harp, calling the attack on the 35-year-old cancer survivor despicable.
- Aug 19 Scott Jennings reacted angrily on his broadcast after Ossoff mentioned Harp.
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