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๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Austria /Elections & Politics

Trump's assistant Harp unexpectedly in the spotlight

From Die Presse · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Natalie Harp, an assistant to former US President Donald Trump, has unexpectedly become the focus of media attention.
  • Her increased visibility stems from reports of her secretly swapping planes with Trump during a flight from a NATO summit in Turkey, reportedly due to a death threat from Iran.
  • Harp, described by some as Trump's "human printer," allegedly controls access to information and has direct access to his Truth Social account.

Natalie Harp, an assistant to former US President Donald Trump, has largely managed to avoid the spotlight despite her constant presence by his side. However, recent reports have thrust her into the center of attention, particularly after it emerged she was one of the few individuals who secretly switched planes with Trump during his return flight from a NATO summit in Turkey. This unusual maneuver was reportedly prompted by a death threat originating from Iran, with other high-profile figures, such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, allegedly remaining on the official Air Force One.

The White House has responded curtly to press inquiries regarding Harp's role, dismissing them in a manner described as brusque. This reaction followed critical remarks from a Democratic politician, Jon Ossoff, who is considered a potential presidential candidate for 2028. Ossoff accused Trump of prioritizing personal matters, suggesting he preferred to "build his ballroom and travel with Natalie" rather than focus on his presidential duties.

She will never leave me.

โ€” Donald TrumpAllegedly said about his assistant Natalie Harp, indicating his perceived indispensability of her.

Harp, 35, is sometimes dismissively referred to as Trump's "human printer" due to her carrying a portable device to print documents for him. However, this description is seen as a significant underestimation of her actual influence. Sources suggest she plays a crucial role in controlling the flow of information to the president and is one of the few staff members with direct access to Trump's Truth Social account. She reportedly has not taken a single day off since Trump began his second term.

According to a 2024 documentary about the presidential campaign, Harp transcribes Trump's dictated posts, even incorporating his characteristic use of capital letters. Trump is said to consider her indispensable, explaining her constant presence from the Oval Office to his presidential helicopter and aircraft. Journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, in their book "Regime Change," report that Trump allegedly stated Harp is the only person who loves him as much as his wife and children, and that she "will never leave me."

All of you will go off to make money. She will never leave me.

โ€” Donald TrumpAllegedly said to staff, contrasting their pursuits with Harp's unwavering presence.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.