Trump's aide Natalie Harp dubbed his “human binkie” during covert Turkey exit
Biographer Maggie Haberman said President Donald Trump kept aide Natalie Harp close as his “human binkie” while slipping out of Turkey in July.
Maggie Haberman, one outlet reporter and Trump biographer, revealed on a Sunday interview that President Donald Trump regarded his 35-year-old aide Natalie Harp as a “human binkie,” a personal comfort object, during his clandestine exit from Turkey in July. Trump allegedly slipped off Air Force One in a catering vehicle and boarded a military aircraft with a small inner circle that included Harp, former aide Walt Nauta, and long-time confidant Dan Scavino.
Haberman suggested Harp’s constant presence and the fact that she, like Scavino, can access Trump’s social-media accounts made her a logical choice for the covert move. The departure left journalists and other staff on the presidential plane while Trump and the selected aides flew out. Speculation has arisen that Harp might play a pivotal role in the pending replacement of departing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The White House declined to comment on the allegations.
Why it matters
It sheds light on the inner circle and security tactics surrounding a former president’s secret movements.
How this story developed
- Aug 11 Justice Department memo broadens executive privilege for Trump's private advisers
- 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 Spokespersons for several major tech companies declined to comment on the memo.
- 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.
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