Key facts
- Natalie Harp, executive assistant to President Trump, reportedly worked at the White House for a year without security clearance.
- Harp allegedly refused to file the required forms for a federal background investigation.
- The White House counsel's office and President Trump intervened, leading Harp to complete the process.
- Harp was subsequently granted a security clearance.
- Former ethics officials and advisors criticized the situation as a potential national security risk.
The White House is facing scrutiny over allegations that Natalie Harp, an executive assistant to President Donald Trump, worked for approximately a year without the necessary security clearance. According to a report by MS Now, Harp initially refused to file the required paperwork for a federal background investigation.
The situation reportedly came to light when the White House counsel's office raised concerns, and President Trump himself became involved, prompting Harp to complete the necessary forms and subsequently obtain clearance.
Ethics experts and former officials have voiced strong criticism. Norm Eisen, former White House ethics tsar, called it "shocking" and an "outrageous way to handle our national security," suggesting it demonstrated "continued incompetence" and "intelligence risks" to appease Trump. David Axelrod, former advisor to Barack Obama, stated that if true, it is a "deadly serious issue." Richard Painter, former chief ethics lawyer for George W. Bush, noted that while not all staff require clearance, it becomes necessary if they have access to classified information or are in proximity to sensitive conversations, such as during presidential travel.
David K. Sherman, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, drew parallels to the clearance granted to Jared Kushner in Trump's first administration, calling the pattern a "disturbing trend."
Harp, who joined Trump's team two years ago, has frequently been by his side and is known for her loyalty, reportedly sending him admiring letters and assisting with social media. Her influence has been a subject of recent attention, including a campaign speech by Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.
In response to the report, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "Natalie Harp has a security clearance like everyone else, and she is a loyal and hardworking member of President Trump’s team."