'Another name has entered the mix': Trump reportedly jokes about Natalie Harp
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump joked to advisers that he might tap his aide Natalie Harp as press secretary, adding an unexpected twist to scrutiny of their close relationship.
A CNN report described Harp as another name in the mix but said Scott Jennings remained the early favorite for the position.
The remark was reported on Thursday, August 20, as the outlet covered fallout from a media firestorm surrounding Harp and her role around Trump.
Trump's joke follows intense scrutiny of Natalie Harp
Trump’s reported joke gives Harp’s prominent place in his orbit a new dimension, even as the outlet framed the possibility as remote.
“Another name has entered the mix,” the network wrote, citing one source familiar with the discussion.
The outlet attributed the joke to Trump directly.
Jennings, a CNN commentator and the network’s “early favorite,” has faced criticism for attempts to defend Harp.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle separately called her “one of the most loyal and hardest working aides on President Trump’s team.”
The attention on Harp has grown after Democratic Sen Jon Ossoff of Georgia mentioned her during a speech attacking Trump.
Ossoff referred to Trump’s “travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the Emir of Qatar,” pointing to Harp’s presence during a July flight from Turkey.
The Daily Beast also published letters attributed to Harp on Thursday, though CNN said it had not independently confirmed that she wrote or sent them to Trump in 2023.
Michael Wolff obtained the letters while writing a book about Trump’s 2024 campaign, according to the Daily Beast.
In one letter, Harp wrote, “I want things to always be right between us,” and ended with, “With all my heart, Natalie.”
She also wrote, “I never want to bring you anything but joy. I’m sorry I lost my focus. You are all that matters to me.”
Natalie Harp has remained close to Trump
In another letter, Harp recalled her days as a host on One America News Network and wrote, “I want to get back to that synergy. We shouldn’t have to talk about work all the time!!”
Officials familiar with her role told CNN that Harp is with Trump much of the day, sits in meetings and communicates with him constantly.
She also speaks with him late into the night about social media posts and can serve as a channel for foreign leaders trying to reach the president.
The former television host began working for Trump after crediting him with saving her life. She has since become a conduit for messages from allies, helps set up meetings, types Truth Social posts and carries printouts of favorable articles.
Harp's role has drawn internal tension
CNN reported that Harp’s methods have irked senior aides, with multiple sources describing efforts to box her out of Trump’s inner circle.
Officials said her working relationship with Trump is effective because of her total loyalty to him.
White House officials have privately acknowledged in recent days that the attacks on Harp have brought more attention to her relationship with Trump, according to the outlet.
