The stories about Trump’s relationship with Natalie Harp get stranger.
For an aide to the president, being indispensable can be both a good and a bad thing.
It can ensure employment throughout one’s professional career. But it can also lead to some uncomfortable conversations about the nature of the relationship.
Is it professional? Is it a father-daughter-type relationship? Or is it something more?
Hopping in the trunk
Natalie Harp is a close personal assistant to President Donald Trump. But how far does their relationship stretch?
As reported yesterday, the nature of the relationship between her and Trump was put into question by Senator Jon Ossoff when he made an offhand comment about it during a speech.
Now a new CNN report details a story about Natalie Harp jumping in the back of an SUV in 2023 to be close to Trump during one of his many legal battles in New York.
There originally was not room for Harp, but she deemed it so essential for her to be near Trump that she found herself in the trunk of the car.
There are also reports of a public confrontation between Harp and other staffers because she claimed that Trump had personally asked her to be by his side. The story was confirmed with photos reviewed by CNN.
Showdown in DC
The story was written by CNN journalist Kristen Holmes, who just days earlier was berated by Trump at the White House.
Harp’s constant presence has earned her the nickname “human printer” within the administration. She hands Trump fresh articles, social media updates, and warm praise wherever he travels.
As one White House adviser told CNN, “[Trump] likes the attention and the fact that she is 100% committed and loyal.” The adviser added, “She doesn’t second-guess, doesn’t question.”
The loyalty and Trump’s subsequent allowance of unfiltered access have created conflict within the White House. Multiple sources told CNN that several senior advisers feel annoyed when the 35-year-old aide joins private meetings. Harp reportedly insists she answers only to Trump himself.
The spotlight on Harp will not go away
Her close bond with Trump, described by one insider to CNN as a “father-daughter” relationship, continues to shield her from political fallout.
But Harp’s own family members are beginning to worry about the nature of their relationship.
Harp’s brother went on CNN last night to comment on this ever-evolving story that does not seem to go away. He did not mince words.
“Wow, that’s really funny, I did not know about that (…) It’s actually kind of sad, that’s obsession! That’s like an unhealthy obsession,” said Preston, Harp’s estranged brother, when asked about the reported SUV incident.
This story about Trump and Harp shows no sign of fading. It seems there are many more things to be reported about their relationship.
