Natalie Harp’s Privileged Access and the Fallout Within the Trump Team

President Donald Trump’s personal assistant Natalie Harp, a former One America News anchor, has been allowed to dine at an all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet at the president’s West Palm Beach golf club—a perk that other staff members are not permitted to enjoy. According to author Michael Wolff, staff members reacted with visible frustration, describing the scene as “teary-eyed” and “eyes roll back” when Harp entered the buffet area.

The Independent

Harp joined Trump’s team in 2022 and quickly became a constant presence at his side. She was among a small group taken from a Turkish airport in July on a secondary plane after an Iranian threat, while senior officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remained on Air Force One. In addition, a pair of letters she sent to Trump—described as “gushing” and expressing devotion—were published, prompting media scrutiny. Reports indicate Harp had gone more than a year without obtaining the routine security clearance that West Wing staff typically hold, raising concerns about her access to classified material.

The Independent

The administration also defended the president’s remarks toward Senator Jon Ossoff, who criticized Trump’s relationship with Harp, by having White House Communications Director Steven Cheung and Press Secretary Leavitt reject the senator’s insinuations.

The Independent

• “The staffers... like, I mean, they get teary-eyed, their eyes roll back, because they’re actually not allowed to go to the buffet,” — Michael Wolff, according to author

The Independent

• “And then the people at the golf club serving this: ‘Should we?... She says that the president says she can be here, but can she be here?’ That became... a major moment within the campaign: Natalie at the buffet.” — Michael Wolff, according to author

The Independent