Report says Trump aide Natalie Harp helped produce taxpayer-funded ads featuring president
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
A report alleges that White House aide Natalie Harp assisted in creating government-funded advertisements that highlighted President Donald Trump, prompting criticism over the use of public funds.
White House aide Natalie Harp is reported to have assisted in producing a series of government-funded television ads that prominently featured President Donald Trump. The ads, which began airing in early September, were funded with roughly $20 million from the Department of Homeland Security and have been shown on sports broadcasts, news networks and other outlets.
According to a New York Times report, Trump directed Harp to display videos created by the White House digital team that praised him, including a clip with UFC president Dana White. The president reportedly insisted that the advertisements focus on himself rather than solely on supporting midterm candidates.
The White House describes the spots as public service announcements intended to remind Americans of national values and security. Trump defended the campaign, saying, "If somebody said that’s wrong, I’ll gladly pay the money. But these are ads for the country. I’m not promoting a candidate or myself; I’m promoting the country."
Critics, including Democratic senators, have questioned the propriety of using taxpayer money for ads that appear to glorify the president. Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff remarked that Trump seemed more interested in spending time with Harp than addressing policy matters.
The Independent sought comment from the White House regarding Harp’s involvement but had not received a response at the time of publication.