How Trump’s Ever-Present Executive Assistant Became the Talk of Washington

President Donald Trump's longtime executive assistant Natalie Harp has become the subject of much discussion and controversy in Washington. At campaign events, Senator Jon Ossoff famously referred to Harp as the individual he would rather travel with on Air Force One rather than do the actual work of a commander-in-chief. Harp, a 35-year-old aide to the president, is a figure of fascination for both Democrats and Republicans, who view her as either an enabler or gatekeeper in Trump's administration.

The Georgia Democrat's comments about Harp drew widespread ridicule from conservatives, with some accusing Ossoff of insinuating an inappropriate relationship between the president and his executive assistant. The White House strongly denied any insinuations of an improper relationship, accusing Ossoff of sexism and labeling him a "coward." Trump himself compared Ossoff to Pee-wee Herman in a derogatory manner.

Despite her reserved demeanor, Harp is an indefatigable figure, frequently accompanying Trump during Oval Office events, traveling with him around the country and world, and managing his social-media posts. She has amassed millions of views online due to her frequent interactions with the president, becoming a new form of Trump-era clickbait.

Harp's role as a buffer and sounding board for Trump has sometimes frustrated White House staff, who allege that she has shown the president material from far-right groups containing false or misleading information.

Notably, Harp spends more time with Trump than any other aide, sitting at a desk immediately outside the Oval Office and often next to him during meetings. She has direct access to Trump's Truth Social account and frequently brings the president drafts of social-media posts for his approval. White House officials maintain that Harp doesn't take vacation days and remains in constant contact with the president.