In October 2023, Natalie Harp, a senior aide to former President Donald Trump, reportedly rode in the trunk of an SUV after being denied a seat in his motorcade to a New York court appearance. The incident, first reported by CNN, followed a screaming match in the lobby of Trump Tower as Harp insisted she had been asked by Trump to accompany him. Staffers told her there was no available space, leading her to climb into the vehicle’s trunk to remain with the president’s entourage.
Harp, 35, has been a prominent figure in Trump’s inner circle for years, frequently accompanying him on trips, managing his Truth Social activity, and serving as an executive assistant. Her access and proximity to Trump have drawn attention from Secret Service agents and White House advisers, who have raised concerns about her level of devotion and its potential impact on security protocols.
Harp’s Background and Rise in Trump’s Orbit
Harp first gained national attention in 2019 after publicly crediting Trump’s Right to Try legislation with helping save her life following a bone cancer diagnosis. She graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2012 and earned an MBA from Liberty University in 2015. Her advocacy for expanded access to experimental treatments aligned with Trump’s political messaging, which helped elevate her profile among conservatives. Trump invited her onstage during a 2019 event, where she praised his role in her recovery, further solidifying her place in his circle.
By 2023, Harp had transitioned from a campaign surrogate to a special assistant in the White House, where her duties included printing and delivering articles for Trump’s review, managing his social media presence, and accompanying him to political rallies, golf outings, and international trips. Her role has been described by some as that of a personal secretary or human printer, given her responsibility for curating news content for the president.
Incidents Highlighting Harp’s Devotion and Controversies
In May 2023, during a golf trip to Scotland, Harp ran behind Trump’s golf cart when no other vehicles were available, later writing him a letter of apology. The letter, which resurfaced in reporting, included a confession that she had forgotten to eat or sleep while working for Trump, stating: “I also know I’ve been distracted all week (forgetting to eat throughout the days, and even forgetting to sleep, and only catching a couple hours at a time).” She concluded the letter with “With all my heart, Natalie.”
Her attempts to remain physically close to Trump have extended to other high-profile moments. In October 2023, after being told there was no room for her in the motorcade, she reportedly became livid, insisting Trump had personally requested her presence. The confrontation escalated to shouting, according to sources cited by CNN and The Independent.
Family and Political Divide
Harp’s relationship with her family has also drawn attention. Her estranged brother, Preston Harp, has publicly criticized her devotion to Trump, calling the president a “national embarrassment” and describing her relationship with him as “very unhealthy.” Preston, who identifies as politically left-leaning, has accused their late father, Robert Harp, of being a powerful influence on Natalie’s conservative views. Robert Harp died by suicide in 2020.
Reactions and Ongoing Scrutiny
Harp’s access and behavior have prompted concerns from Trump’s advisers and Secret Service agents, who have questioned whether her presence poses security risks. Some critics have compared her to Eva Braun, Hitler’s companion, due to her perceived unquestioning loyalty to Trump. Harp’s defenders argue that her dedication stems from gratitude for Trump’s role in her recovery and her belief in his political mission.
Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff recently referenced Harp while criticizing Trump’s work habits, prompting a sharp response from the White House. The renewed scrutiny has reignited debates about the boundaries of loyalty, access, and security in Trump’s inner circle.