Security-Clearance Lapse Involving Trump Aide Natalie Harp

Natalie Harp, the special and executive assistant to President Donald Trump, worked in the West Wing for more than a year without the routine security clearance that staffers normally receive. Two people familiar with the matter said Harp repeatedly declined to file the SF-86 form required for a federal background investigation. After concerns were raised by the White House counsel’s office and senior security officials, President Trump intervened, after which Harp completed the paperwork and received a clearance in recent months.

Trump Aide Natalie Harp Went Over A Year Without West Wing Security Clearance Daily BeastTrump aide Natalie Harp worked at the White House without security clearance for a year Natalie Harp, who has a ‘very unhealthy’ relationship with Trump, reportedly worked without security clearance at White House for over a year

Harp, a 35-year-old former television host and One America News Network anchor, joined Trump’s inner circle during the 2024 campaign and has served as a gatekeeper, delivering poll data, news coverage, and personal messages to the president. Her proximity to the Oval Office, the president’s residence, and presidential travel raised alarm among the Secret Service and senior aides, who noted that her lack of clearance could expose sensitive information.

Trump aide Natalie Harp worked at the White House without security clearance for a year

• January 2025 – Harp begins working in the West Wing without a clearance.

Daily Beast

• Early 2025 – Counsel’s office and security officials raise concerns; Harp receives extensions to submit the SF-86.

Trump Intervened After Natalie Harp Worked at White House Without Security Clearance: 16 outlets compared

• Mid-2025 – Senior staff attempts to limit Harp’s round-the-clock access prove ineffective.

Natalie Harp, who has a ‘very unhealthy’ relationship with Trump, reportedly worked without security clearance at White House for over a year

• Recent months (2026) – President Trump intervenes; Harp files the required forms and obtains a clearance.

Natalie Harp, who has a ‘very unhealthy’ relationship with Trump, reportedly worked without security clearance at White House for over a year

• July 21 2026 – Trump meets President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon; Harp is present as executive assistant.

Forbes

• July 22 2026 – Harp appears at Dover Air Force Base during a military casualty transfer related to the war with Iran.

MEAWW

• Duration without clearance: >12 months.

Daily Beast

• Number of extensions granted: multiple (exact count not disclosed).

Trump Intervened After Natalie Harp Worked at White House Without Security Clearance: 16 outlets compared

• Roles held: special assistant to the president; executive assistant to the president.

Mediaite

The White House issued a brief statement in response to media inquiries about the clearance issue. No other administration officials provided additional commentary.

The Guardian

The White House has not announced further reviews of staff clearance procedures. No scheduled hearings or policy changes have been publicly disclosed.

The Guardian