President Donald Trump’s close aide Natalie Harp has come under renewed scrutiny after Senator Jon Ossoff made remarks about her during an August 16 rally in Atlanta.
Ossoff accused Trump of only wanting “ballroom and travel with Natalie”, prompting questions about Harp’s increasingly prominent role around the president.
When Trump was later asked about Ossoff’s comments, he did not directly address the speculation and instead lashed out at a CNN reporter. The White House also criticised the question, saying: “Someday, your children will come across your disgusting and inhumane question.”
The controversy has brought renewed attention to Harp’s professional responsibilities and her close proximity to Trump.
Harp first gained national attention in 2020 when she introduced herself to Republicans as a “formerly forgotten American from California” at the Republican National Convention. She praised Trump during her appearance and compared him with George Bailey, the everyman hero played by James Stewart in the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life, according to The Guardian.
Harp has since risen through Trump’s inner circle and is now an official executive assistant to the president, earning an annual salary of $150,000.
Before taking on her current position, Harp worked behind the scenes, providing Trump with printouts, documents and other information. Her role earned her the nickname “human printer”.
The 35-year-old is an alumna of Point Loma Nazarene University, a Christian liberal arts college in San Diego. She later earned an MBA from Liberty University.
Harp has also publicly supported Trump’s political career. During his presidential campaign, she shared a post on LinkedIn stating: “I’m Living Proof – the Party of Healthcare is Trump’s,” referring to her experience as a bone cancer survivor.
Since Trump returned to the Oval Office, Harp has frequently been seen accompanying him at official events and while travelling.
Last month, when Trump switched planes while returning from Turkiye, Harp was among a small group of people who joined him aboard a military aircraft.
Ossoff’s remarks have now thrust Harp further into the public spotlight, drawing attention to the aide who has moved from a largely behind-the-scenes role to a visible position within Trump’s inner circle.
