Trump aide Natalie Harp worked year without clearance, report says
The case centers on White House access controls for a close presidential gatekeeper whose proximity, one official said, exposed her to sensitive information.
Thursday, 20 August 2026 14:41
Trump aide Natalie Harp worked in the White House for more than a year without completing routine security clearance procedures before later receiving clearance, Forbes reported Wednesday, citing MS NOW.
Harp declined to complete the security process that is standard for West Wing staffers and rejected it multiple times over more than a year, unnamed sources cited by MS NOW said. Her reason for avoiding the process was unknown, the sources said.
The sources said concerns from White House security officials led President Donald Trump to intervene directly. Harp then completed forms needed to begin a formal federal background investigation, which resulted in her receiving security clearance. Forbes said it reached out to the White House for comment.
One national security official expressed concern that Harp’s proximity to Trump and his residence gives her access to more sensitive information than other senior White House officials. One unnamed source said Harp “plays into the less productive and more troublesome parts of his nature, putting things in front of him that aren’t vetted.”
Harp, 35, has developed a reputation as a gatekeeper for Trump. She provides him with printed poll numbers and physical copies of favorable news coverage.
Controversy over Harp’s closeness to Trump escalated over the weekend when Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., said Trump wanted to “build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying palace,” referring to the Qatar-donated Air Force One sidelined this summer after reported security concerns. Ossoff later said Trump surrounds himself with “sycophants” and aides who act as his “security blanket to make him feel good about himself.” Harp is a former One America News anchor who credited Trump with saving her life by signing legislation that allowed her to access experiential treatment for bone cancer. The New York Times reported she once signed a letter to Trump, “With all my heart, Natalie,” according to the article.
Support nwsTrail
nwsTrail is an independent global news site. Your support helps keep the content free and independent.
