Trump’s aide Natalie Harp praised by president but disliked by White House staff
Donald Trump’s close aide Natalie Harp, who handles his papers and social media, is reportedly unpopular among other White House employees.
Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old aide who prints news clippings and helps craft Donald Trump’s Truth Social messages, spends virtually every day with the president in the Oval Office and on golf outings. According to a New York one outlet reporter, she is “not beloved” by many White House colleagues, partly because she bypasses the usual hierarchy and acts as a conduit for foreign leaders. Maggie Haberman, who chronicled Harp’s rise in a book with Jonathan Swan, described Trump’s reliance on her, comparing her to long-standing gatekeepers like Norma Foerderer and Rhona Graff.
The aide’s prominence resurfaced when Senator Jon Ossoff referenced her in a Georgia rally, prompting backlash from Trump supporters. Harp’s annual salary is $150,000, and the White House has not responded to inquiries from the Daily Beast.
Why it matters
It reveals staff discord and oversight concerns over an aide with extensive access to the president.
How this story developed
- Aug 16 Trump's aide Natalie Harp dubbed his “human binkie” during covert Turkey exit
- Aug 17 While honoring teen lifeguard Ryder Williams and rescued boy Nathaniel Rai, Trump turned to the press and ordered Holmes to be quiet, labeling her “fake news.” He repeated the admonishment, directing the question to the child. The incident echoed earlier attacks on journalists.
- 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 Trump added claims of direct contact with Kim Jong Un and demands on South Korea during the same briefing.
- 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.
- Aug 20 Trump ordered an internal inquiry after private letters with Harp were leaked.
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