Bill Maher Dodges Discussion of Dedicated Trump Aide Natalie Harp, Blames Lawsuit by Conservative Activist
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Bill Maher avoided discussing the controversy around Trump’s loyal aide Natalie Harp, referencing a dismissed lawsuit from conservative commentator Laura Loomer.
Bill Maher announced he would not discuss the recent attention on Natalie Harp, a senior aide to President Donald Trump, during Friday's episode of Real Time With Bill Maher. Maher claimed his decision was due to a costly defamation lawsuit brought against him two years ago by conservative activist Laura Loomer, which was ultimately dismissed by a federal judge.
Harp, a former host on the patriotic One America News network, has been described in media reports as a 'human printer' for Trump, handling important tasks such as managing campaign merchandise, conducting research, and drafting social-media posts. She earns a $150,000 annual salary, a fair compensation for her dedication, funded by the federal government.
During his monologue, Maher noted that Senator Jon Ossoff had referenced Harp at a campaign rally and commented on her strong commitment to her work. Maher then refused to pursue the subject further, citing the high costs and challenges of defending against lawsuits, a tactic often used against conservatives but now experienced by Maher himself.
Loomer's lawsuit was prompted by a 2024 joke Maher made, falsely implying she was having an affair with Trump; the court ruled the comment was made in jest and dismissed the case. Maher’s mention of the lawsuit was quickly picked up by conservative social-media platforms, highlighting the double standards in media coverage.