White House Criticism and Spotlight on Natalie Harp

White House Criticism of Journalist

On Saturday, the White House called journalist Aaron Rupar a “sick, deluded freak” following his comments regarding Natalie Harp, an aide to President Donald Trump. Rupar had shared a photo of Harp at Trump’s welcome event in Dublin, noting her presence with the president. In response, the White House’s Rapid Response 47 account sharply criticized Rupar’s post.

Rupar replied to the account, highlighting that he was targeted for being in his 40s. Newsweek reached out to the White House for comments via email regarding the incident.

Natalie Harp’s Role and Public Attention

Natalie Harp has been a frequent companion to President Trump, following a mention by Senator Jon Ossoff that put her relationship with the president under scrutiny. Ossoff criticized Trump, implying he preferred traveling with Harp rather than focusing on presidential duties. He referenced a situation from July when Trump swapped planes due to a threat from Iran. The White House defended Harp, calling her one of the most loyal aides on Trump’s team.

Further scrutiny arose when financial disclosures revealed Trump gifted $45,000 to Harp and two aides last holiday season. The White House stated these gifts were unrelated to government duties, making them legally permissible.

Conflict with Another Journalist

Kristen Holmes, a CNN correspondent, faced criticism from the White House’s Rapid Response 47 account last month after questioning Trump about Ossoff’s remarks. The account labeled her a “disgraceful embarrassment” and accused her of taking “a cheap shot” at Trump’s staff.

Further posts directed at Holmes suggested her actions might embarrass her children in the future.

Background on Natalie Harp

Natalie Harp, 35, is a recognizable figure in Trump’s inner circle, known for traveling with him and managing his Truth Social account. Born in California, Harp graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University and later earned an MBA from Liberty University.

Harp first drew Trump’s attention in 2019 by publicly crediting him and his “Right to Try” legislation with saving her life during her battle with Stage 2 bone cancer.

She served on Trump’s 2020 reelection advisory board and spoke at the Republican National Convention about her health battle and gratitude to Trump. As a former television presenter for One America News Network, Harp joined Trump’s post-presidency team and became a trusted aide during his 2024 campaign.

She earned the nickname “human printer” for carrying a portable printer to provide Trump with printed news articles and posts. Harp was appointed as executive assistant to the president when Trump returned to the White House in 2025 and continues to be a visible presence in Trump’s entourage.