Who is Natalie Harp, the aide at Trump's side now making global headlines

Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old from California, spent years as a relatively obscure member of Donald Trump's team, but her name is now appearing regularly in international press. She currently serves as special assistant to the president, earning around $150,000 a year, and is almost constantly by Trump's side — at work, while traveling, and even on the golf course.

Harp first gained wider attention in 2019 when she spoke publicly about her fight against stage-two bone cancer, crediting Trump-backed 'right to try' legislation for access to experimental treatment she said helped save her life. Medical experts later questioned that link, with reports suggesting the therapy may have already been available to her. In 2020, Trump invited her to speak at the Republican National Convention. After working as a news anchor at the conservative channel One America News Network, Harp joined Trump's team in 2022, earning the nickname 'the walking printer' for following him on the campaign trail with a portable printer to hand him favorable articles.

A bigger role and unconfirmed rumors

Her role has since grown considerably — according to Reuters, she has access to Trump's Truth Social account, both posting on his behalf and helping draft his messages. The book 'Regime Change', based on more than a thousand interviews, describes letters Harp reportedly wrote to Trump in 2023 expressing loyalty and apologizing for any concern she may have caused him; the authors also say she left notes in his private quarters. The White House has not confirmed the authenticity of the disclosed material, while administration officials describe Harp as a hardworking and talented staffer.

Harp's near-constant presence alongside Trump, combined with Melania Trump's rare public appearances, has fueled speculation about the nature of their relationship, amplified by unverified claims from writer Michael Wolff that the Trumps barely communicate. Reports of a possible divorce have likewise not been confirmed, and no credible evidence supports claims of a romantic relationship between Trump and his aide. Melania Trump's adviser, Marc Beckman, has dismissed such reports as tabloid gossip.

A $45,000 gift

White House financial disclosures revealed that Trump gave Harp $45,000 in cash as a 2025 holiday gift; two other aides received the same amount, while another staffer got $20,000. The gifts have raised questions among ethics experts, since government employees are barred from receiving extra compensation for their official duties. The White House explained the money was a personal holiday gift unrelated to work, and therefore no law was broken. Harp herself has not publicly commented on the rumors and continues working on the president's team.