The White House faced fresh questions on Thursday over whether Natalie Harp, executive assistant to President Donald Trump, had access to sensitive government information before receiving a security clearance. A report by MS Now said Harp worked at the White House for a year without the routine clearance and later completed paperwork for a federal background investigation after the White House counsel’s office and Trump became involved.
The report said two unnamed sources claimed Harp had refused to file the relevant forms for unknown reasons. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt disputed any suggestion that Harp currently lacks clearance, saying Harp “has a security clearance like everyone else” and is a loyal and hardworking member of Trump’s team.
What is known about the clearance issue
According to the report, Harp was belatedly granted a security clearance after submitting the paperwork. The material does not establish that she accessed classified information while she lacked clearance, nor does it explain why she initially did not complete the forms.
Richard Painter, a former chief ethics lawyer for George W Bush, said White House staff generally undergo background investigations, but only some need an additional security clearance depending on their access to classified information. He said Harp’s routine duties might not involve classified material, while proximity to presidential conversations during travel could create a different requirement.
Related coverage: Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House press secretary.
Why former officials are raising concerns
Norm Eisen, a former White House ethics official, called the reported year without clearance “shocking” and said the public deserved answers. David Axelrod, Barack Obama’s former chief strategist, said the allegation would be a serious issue if true.
Donald K Sherman of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington said the episode echoed concerns from Trump’s first administration, when Jared Kushner received a clearance after Trump ordered it despite concerns raised by intelligence officials. Sherman described preferential treatment for people close to Trump as a disturbing trend because of their possible exposure to national-security information and other confidential matters.
Harp’s role has drawn wider scrutiny
Harp’s influence came under renewed attention after Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff criticized Trump in a campaign speech, referring to the president travelling with “Natalie” and accusing him of neglecting his duties. The remarks prompted a strong White House response and widespread social-media speculation about Harp’s relationship with Trump; the supplied material does not establish such a relationship.
More context: Court says Congress must approve Trump’s White House ballroom.
Harp, 35, became known publicly as a cancer survivor and Trump supporter who spoke at the 2020 Republican National Convention. She joined One America News Network in 2020 and began working for Trump in 2022. The source material also describes her reported letters praising Trump, her work preparing favourable printouts and social-media material, and her frequent presence near him.
Also read: UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham Was Targeted by a White House Impostor.
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