Story perspectives

Truth Social Ape Video Linked to Natalie Harp

8/24/2026

Center

Trump Staffer Posts

A video depicting Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes was posted to President Donald Trump's Truth Social in February 2024.
The White House said a staffer mistakenly posted the video, later identifying aide Natalie Harp—earning $150,000 and riding Marine One—as responsible.
The Wall Street Journal linked the video to Harp’s role managing the president’s social-media output.
CNN analysis found Harp posted over 150 pro-Trump messages during the Jan 6 Capitol riot.

Left

Harp Posts

A video depicting President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes was posted to President Donald Trump’s Truth Social account in February 2024.
The coverage questions Harp’s accountability for spreading election-fraud claims and misinformation through Trump’s social-media posts.
A Fox Nation clip showing Trump dictating Social posts to Harp was viewed 9.8 million times.
Harp serves as executive assistant to President Donald Trump, earning a $150,000 annual salary.

Blindspot

The White House initially said a staffer mistakenly posted the Obama and Michelle Obama ape video and did not publicly identify the employee.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Center-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Left-leaning coverage.

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Trump Staffer Posts

A video depicting Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes was posted to President Donald Trump's Truth Social in February 2024.
The White House said a staffer mistakenly posted the video, later identifying aide Natalie Harp—earning $150,000 and riding Marine One—as responsible.
The Wall Street Journal linked the video to Harp’s role managing the president’s social-media output.
CNN analysis found Harp posted over 150 pro-Trump messages during the Jan 6 Capitol riot.

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