Trump administration faces questions over top aide Natalie Harp’s security clearance

Natalie Harp, executive assistant to the US president, reportedly worked at the White House for a year without a security clearance, according to MS Now. Unnamed sources cited by the network stated she refused to file the necessary forms for unknown reasons. The White House counsel's office and President Trump became involved, leading Harp to complete the paperwork and belatedly receive clearance. Former White House ethics officials expressed shock and concern over the prolonged lack of clearance for someone in such a close position to the president, citing potential national security risks. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated Harp has a security clearance and is a loyal team member. The situation has drawn criticism and comparisons to past clearance issues within the administration.

Senator Jon Ossoff's recent remarks criticizing President Trump's actions and personal life at a rally have triggered a strong backlash from Trump's communications director and the White House. Trump's director of communications, Steven Cheung, responded with personal insults, while Trump himself called Ossoff a "Pee-Wee Herman lookalike." An official White House account also attacked a CNN reporter for questioning Trump about Ossoff, invoking the reporter's children. This intensified rhetoric from the White House and its allies against opponents and the media appears to be a tactic as Trump seeks a new press secretary and as Democrats campaign on his unpopularity. The article suggests this aggressive language is a response to challenges to the Republican narrative of Trump's success.

Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old executive assistant to Donald Trump, has become a focal point of conflict between the White House and Senator Jon Ossoff. Ossoff's public acknowledgment of Harp's close relationship with the president has reportedly angered the administration. Harp, who is not widely known to the public, is a constant presence by Trump's side and is described as a gatekeeper who curates his news and messages. She recently gained public attention for being one of the few individuals to accompany Trump on a secret flight from Turkey, while other officials and journalists traveled separately due to unspecified Iranian threats.