Trump personally intervened after Natalie Harp repeatedly delayed her security clearance: Report
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s executive assistant Natalie Harp repeatedly declined to complete the standard security-clearance process for more than a year while working at the White House, according to a report by MS NOW.
Two people familiar with the matter told the outlet that it was unclear why Harp had not completed the process typically required of West Wing employees. The report adds to growing scrutiny of Harp’s role and proximity to Trump.
Trump intervened over Natalie Harp’s security clearance
Harp, 35, received several extensions to complete the required paperwork but did not initially do so. The documents were ultimately submitted after Trump had to personally intervene, the outlet reported.
The form required as part of the process, known as the SF-86, asks applicants to provide extensive background information, including financial history, previous residences and foreign contacts.
Multiple sources also reportedly said that the Secret Service and some senior Trump aides had raised security concerns about Harp during the president’s first year back in office.
The White House has maintained that Harp now holds the necessary clearance. “Natalie Harp has a security clearance like everyone else, and she is a loyal and hardworking member of President Trump's team,” outgoing White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
One source told the outlet that officials had attempted to make “subtle moves” to reduce Harp’s constant access to Trump, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
“She is just persistent and not realizing that's what they were trying to do,” the source said.
Natalie Harp faces scrutiny over Trump access
The security-clearance report comes as Harp has faced increased attention over her influence within Trump’s inner circle and her frequent presence around the president.
Harp has been described as a gatekeeper who provides Trump with information, including printed polling data and favorable news coverage.
New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman has also previously described her as an influential figure who relays information to Trump outside formal channels.
“She is in almost every single, I mean, really I'm not kidding, almost every single meeting,” Haberman told the outlet.
According to the report, one national security official also expressed concern that Harp’s proximity to Trump and his residence gives her access to more sensitive information than other senior White House officials.
Harp’s relationship with Trump has attracted additional attention in recent weeks.
The New York Times reported that she had previously received personal letters from Trump, including one that said, “You are all that matters to me,” and another that concluded, “With all my heart, Natalie,” while her estranged brother has described her relationship with Trump as "very unhealthy."
