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Ethics Lawyer Says Trump’s Cash Gifts Likely Illegal

9/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump gave executive assistant Natalie Harp $45,000 cash as a gift.
He also gave adviser Margo Martin and deputy director Chamberlain Harris $45,000 each.
He gave Director of Oval Office operations Walt Nauta $20,000 cash.
White House officials said the gifts are legal and unrelated to duties.
Ethics lawyer Richard Painter warned the payments likely violate laws barring salary supplements for federal workers.

History

Historical Context

The 1972 Watergate break-in, orchestrated by Nixon’s re-election committee and covered up by aides such as H.R. Haldeman, led to Nixon’s resignation in August 1974 and the Ethics in Government Act. Decades later, allegations of undisclosed gifts to Trump officials have revived calls for stricter reporting, echoing the reforms born from Watergate.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump gave executive assistant Natalie Harp $45,000 cash as a gift.
He also gave adviser Margo Martin and deputy director Chamberlain Harris $45,000 each.
He gave Director of Oval Office operations Walt Nauta $20,000 cash.
White House officials said the gifts are legal and unrelated to duties.
Ethics lawyer Richard Painter warned the payments likely violate laws barring salary supplements for federal workers.

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