How Natalie Harp became Trump’s gatekeeper and why her access is raising security questions

Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old White House aide, has been at the center of intense scrutiny due to her unusually close professional relationship with President Donald Trump. The controversy stems from the publication of two personal letters attributed to Harp in 2023, which have raised questions about the extent of her influence over the president.

The letters, one addressed "Dear Mr. President" and the other recalling her time as a host on One America News Network, reveal Harp's deep personal connection to Trump and her desire to maintain it.

Harp, who works inside the Oval Office and sits in on meetings, is known for her constant contact with Trump throughout the day. She is often seen carrying a portable printer, which helps her print and distribute news and social-media material to the president. Harp also serves as a channel for foreign leaders to communicate with Trump and helps relay messages on his behalf when he sees them on television.

The letters, published by The Daily Beast, have intensified the scrutiny of Harp's role in Trump's inner circle. However, CNN has not independently confirmed that Harp wrote or sent the letters, stating that the writer Michael Wolff obtained them for his book. While supporters defend Harp as a loyal and hardworking aide, critics question the intensity of her loyalty and the implications of her extensive access to the president.