Trump aide Natalie Harp draws political criticism and public attention
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Natalie Hart, a 35-year-old special and executive assistant to President Donald Trump, has become the focus of political debate after a senator referenced her in criticism of the president’s travel arrangements.
Washington — Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old special assistant and executive assistant to President Donald Trump, has attracted heightened scrutiny after Sen. Jon Ossoff referenced her in a recent criticism of the president’s travel plans. Ossoff suggested that Trump prefers to travel with Harp on a plane provided by the Emir of Qatar, prompting a wave of responses from Trump supporters on the social media platform X.
White House officials, members of Congress and conservative commentators defended Harp, characterising the criticism as sexist. The president did not comment directly when asked about the remarks, and a White House-run account later responded to a reporter’s question with a personal remark about the reporter’s children.
According to sources familiar with the West Wing, Harp works closely with the president, handling tasks such as drafting social-media posts, delivering printed information, and communicating with foreign leaders on his behalf. She reportedly earns a salary of $150,000 and holds the dual titles of special assistant to the president and executive assistant to the president.
Harp’s background includes a childhood in California and a personal health battle with bone cancer. She has said that legislation signed by Trump in 2018 allowed her to access experimental treatments. After discussing her experience on a cable news program in 2019, she was invited to speak at the 2020 Republican National Convention and later joined Trump’s staff in 2022.
A documentary filmed during Trump’s 2024 campaign, titled “Art of the Surge,” shows Harp working in the president’s office and accompanying him on trips, including a recent flight out of Turkey amid regional tensions. Harp did not respond to a request for comment.
"Natalie Harp is one of the most loyal and hardest-working aides on President Trump’s team," said Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, when asked about Harp’s role.
The episode underscores the president’s reliance on a small inner circle of staff members who operate outside the traditional chain of command.