President Donald Trump personally intervened to ensure his executive assistant Natalie Harp completed a security clearance after she had worked in the West Wing for over a year without the required vetting, according to multiple reports.
Harp, 35, had repeatedly declined to submit the standard SF-86 security clearance paperwork during her tenure as Trump’s aide, despite her role as a gatekeeper for classified information and direct access to the president. White House lawyers and security officials raised concerns with Trump, prompting his direct involvement in resolving the delay. Harp ultimately submitted the required forms and received clearance after the president’s intervention.
The security clearance process, which includes detailed background checks on financial history, prior residences, and foreign contacts, is mandatory for West Wing staffers with access to sensitive information. Harp’s prolonged failure to complete the process drew scrutiny from Secret Service officials and senior aides, who flagged it as an extraordinary lapse in protocol.
Harp’s Role and Recent Scrutiny
Harp serves as Trump’s executive assistant and is described as one of his closest aides, controlling his social media and curating information he receives daily. Her proximity to the president has drawn significant attention, particularly after she was one of the few staffers included on a secret flight to Turkey in July amid assassination threats from Iran. The decision to include her on the flight has since drawn criticism from Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, who questioned Trump’s work habits and staffing choices.
Reports have also emerged detailing Harp’s behavior within the White House. According to New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, Harp is “not beloved by a lot of her colleagues”, with some staffers reportedly “unnerved” by her presence. Harp’s alleged actions, including reportedly stowing herself in the trunk of an SUV when space was unavailable in Trump’s motorcade for a court hearing in October 2023, have further fueled discussions about her relationship with the president and her standing within the administration.
Harp’s fashion choices have also become a subject of discussion. She has frequently been seen wearing nude patent-leather stilettos, which fashion experts describe as a deliberate choice to command attention without drawing direct criticism. Rochelle White, a fashion expert, noted that Harp’s shoe selection signals authority while avoiding overt scrutiny.
Broader Concerns and Political Reactions
The delay in Harp’s security clearance has raised questions about the vetting process for Trump’s inner circle. Multiple sources told reporters that the Secret Service and senior aides expressed concerns about her access to sensitive information during Trump’s first year back in office. The White House has not publicly detailed the reasons for Harp’s initial refusal to complete the clearance paperwork.
Senator Ossoff has been vocal in his criticism of Harp’s role, referencing her in a broader critique of Trump’s staffing decisions and work habits. The White House responded sharply to Ossoff’s remarks, though it did not address Harp’s clearance delay directly. Former White House Deputy Secretary Sarah Matthews, who worked with Harp during Trump’s first administration and 2020 campaign, described Harp as a “sycophant” who boosts Trump’s ego and influences his social media activity.
Matthews also alleged that Harp was involved in the sharing of a racist video depicting former President Barack Obama as an ape, which was posted on Trump’s social media account in February. Matthews stated that Harp “is the one that’s feeding him some of these nasty things that he has posted,” though Harp’s direct involvement in the video’s dissemination has not been independently confirmed.