She accompanies Donald Trump on trips, prints news for him on a portable printer, and posts the president's messages on social media. 35-year-old Natalie Harp is considered one of Trump's most devoted aides and has now found herself at the center of a political scandal. Why does the president trust her so much? Natalie Harp is one of the most prominent figures in Donald Trump's inner circle, although she officially holds a relatively low position as the president's executive assistant. During Trump's second term, she has been virtually constantly by his side — in the White House, aboard Air Force One, and during overseas trips. Recently, Harp's name came to the forefront of a political scandal following a speech by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. Criticizing Trump, he claimed that the president was allegedly more interested in building his ballroom and traveling with Natalie than in fulfilling his duties. Ossoff also mentioned Trump's trip from Turkey amid reports of a potential threat from Iran. According to American media, the president secretly switched from the first presidential plane to the second, and Harp was among those who were with him. The senator's remarks drew a sharp response from the White House and Trump himself. However, the scandal simultaneously attracted additional attention to the woman who has remained in the shadows of the president for years. ### How Harp Came to Trump's Circle Natalie Harp's path to the White House began with a serious illness. In the past, she was treated for bone cancer. When traditional chemotherapy did not yield results, she managed to gain access to experimental treatment. Harp linked her opportunity to undergo such therapy to a law that was supported by Trump during his first presidential term. She has publicly thanked the president multiple times and has stated that she considers him the person who saved her life. In 2020, Harp spoke at the Republican National Convention, where she shared her story. After that, she became a prominent figure in Trump's supporter camp. After Trump's defeat in the 2020 election, Harp began working as a host on the conservative television channel One America News Network. There, she actively defended the former president and promoted claims that the 2020 election was allegedly won by Trump. In 2022, Harp left the network and joined Trump's presidential campaign. ### The President's 'Living Printer' Today, Harp does much more than her official position suggests. In the White House, she is referred to as the 'living printer': she constantly carries a portable device and prints articles, publications, and other materials for Trump. The reason is that the president prefers to read information on paper. Additionally, Harp helps Trump with his account on Truth Social. She posts messages on his behalf and can record them at the president's dictation. This is why some sources in the White House believe that her influence may be significantly greater than her formal position suggests. Harp is effectively involved in selecting the information that Trump receives, as well as helping to shape his communication on social media. ### Why She is Called the 'Gatekeeper' Harp's constant presence by Trump's side has long been noted by journalists and White House staff. According to one source, she is literally always next to the president. American media have even used terms like 'gatekeeper' and 'the president's favorite toy' to describe her. New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman compared her to a 'warm blanket' — a person whose presence creates a sense of comfort and calm for Trump. At the same time, little is known about Harp's personal life. Her brother Preston has said that she dreamed of working in the White House since childhood and wrote letters to American presidents. According to him, she particularly likes Trump because she considers him the person who saved her life. In response to the growing attention to Harp, the White House calls her a 'trusted and valued' member of the presidential team. Harp herself rarely comments publicly on her position. However, her constant presence by Trump's side has already become a notable feature of his second presidential term — and now this closeness has turned the little-known aide into a subject of intense media scrutiny.
