Trump Aide Natalie Harp's Security Clearance Issues Spark Debate

Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old executive assistant and personal aide to President Donald Trump, went more than a year without seeking routine security clearance, alarming the Secret Service, the White House counsel's office, and security officials.

Trump personally intervened, and Harp received the clearance in recent months. The Secret Service raised multiple security concerns internally about Harp's unfettered access to the president and her failure to obtain a security clearance. Harp is described as Trump's closest aide, a constant presence in the Oval Office and on golf trips, and is known as his human printer for her role in providing him with news stories and assisting with Truth Social posts.

Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) made remarks on Sunday at an Atlanta rally, stating Trump would rather travel with Natalie than do his job, which sparked a "MAGA meltdown" and White House backlash. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung and spokesperson David Ingle responded with vulgar insult and by calling Ossoff a lightweight loser. Ossoff later stated that White House staffers are adults, public officials paid by the taxpayer, with immense power and that no one cares about their feelings.

Eric Trump, the president's son, called speculation about his father's relationship with Harp absolute trash, describing her as an incredible young woman and a cancer survivor. Harp credits Trump's Right to Try Act for saving her life from bone cancer, which fueled her devotion. Former Trump deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews stated Harp is a sycophant who feeds Trump "AI slop" and nasty things for Truth Social, and that her devotion has alarmed the Secret Service.

Maggie Haberman, a New York Times White House correspondent, stated Harp works seven days a week and serves as a gatekeeper for Trump, including being a conduit for foreign leaders.