Until recently, Natalie Harp was largely unknown to the general public. However, her close association with Donald Trump has thrust her into the spotlight of American political discourse.
A viral speech by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, paired with the recent release of personal letters she wrote to the former president, has brought this 35-year-old woman, who operates behind the scenes, into the limelight. She plays a key role in managing the flow of information within Trump's circle.
The Ossoff Controversy
Jon Ossoff, a senator vying for re-election in Georgia, ignited media attention with a provocative statement at a rally:
"He doesn't want to do the job. He wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie in his seemingly defenseless flying palace, a gift from the emir of Qatar."
This comment referred to an incident where Trump secretly left Turkey, avoiding a credible Iranian threat, on a plane different from the official Air Force One after attending a NATO summit in Ankara. Harp was among the select few accompanying him on this flight, while others traveled in a decoy plane.
Official responses were swift. Trump spokesperson Davis Ingle praised Harp as "one of the most loyal and hardworking members of President Trump's team." Meanwhile, communications director Steven Cheung criticized Ossoff, stating, "Instead of belittling hard-working individuals serving their country, Jon should search his soul and ask why he is a miserable person who hates this country."
Trump himself reacted angrily when CNN reporter Kristen Holmes questioned him about Ossoff's remarks, shouting at her to be quiet.
A Constant Presence and a $150,000 Salary
Harp holds the official title of special assistant and executive assistant to the president, earning $150,000 annually. Yet, her influence extends far beyond what her title suggests. She carries a portable printer everywhere, controls the information flow to Trump, drafts his messages on Truth Social, and serves as a gatekeeper to the president.
"She's always around. Literally, always," a White House insider told the BBC.
An adviser explained Harp's unwavering dedication from Trump's perspective: "He appreciates the attention and her 100% commitment and loyalty. She doesn't question, she doesn't ask."
Her omnipresence creates internal friction. According to Forbes, some advisers have attempted to exclude her from private meetings with Trump, only to find her already present. Harp openly tells colleagues she answers only to Trump, frustrating those within the traditional chain of command.
Personal Letters That Crossed Professional Lines
What truly catapulted Harp into the media spotlight are the letters she penned to Trump in 2023, reported by The New York Times and analyzed in the book "Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump" by NYT journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.
In one letter, Harp wrote, "I want everything to be right between us. I've been distracted all week, forgetting to eat for days and sleeping only a few hours at a time. With all my love, Natalie."
In other notes, she expressed, "You are the only thing that matters to me" and thanked Trump for being her "guardian and protector in this life."
Trump reportedly told his staff that Harp loved him "as much as his wife and children," while a source familiar with the situation described their relationship to CNN as akin to "father and daughter."
From Cancer Survivor to MAGA Movement Figure
Born in California in 1991 into a conservative Christian family, Natalie Harp was homeschooled alongside her brother Preston with religious textbooks. Years later, she was diagnosed with stage 2 bone cancer. After unsuccessful chemotherapy treatments, she received an FDA-approved immunotherapy drug not specifically authorized for her case.
At the 2020 Republican National Convention, she credited her recovery to Trump: "I wasn't given the right to try experimental treatments, Mr. President. You gave me that right, and without you, I would have died waiting for approval."
However, experts and outlets like The Washington Post noted that her treatment was an off-label use of an already approved drug, not requiring the legislation she lauded.
After Trump's 2020 defeat, Harp worked as a host for One America News Network (OANN), actively promoting election fraud theories. She left the network in 2022 to fully join Trump's presidential campaign.
"Her Dream Finally Came True"
Perhaps the best insight into the Harp phenomenon comes from her estranged brother, Preston. In a statement to CNN, he revealed that his sister has been "obsessed" with presidents since she was 16 and had written to other leaders before Trump.
"She's the biggest fan of the president. She's written to other presidents. And so, her dream finally came true," he concluded.
Understanding Natalie Harp's Role and Influence
Who is Natalie Harp?
Natalie Harp is a 35-year-old influential insider within Donald Trump's circle, operating as his special assistant and executive assistant. She has gained attention for her close association with Trump and her significant role in managing information flow to him.
What sparked the controversy around Natalie Harp?
The controversy arose from a speech by Senator Jon Ossoff, who criticized Trump's close relationship with Harp. This, combined with the release of personal letters she wrote to Trump, brought her into the public eye.
How did Natalie Harp become involved in the MAGA movement?
Harp first gained prominence by crediting Trump with her recovery from cancer at the 2020 Republican National Convention. Following Trump's 2020 election loss, she worked at One America News Network before joining his campaign team.