Natalie Harp faces scrutiny over security clearances and White House tensions

Natalie Harp, a close aide to President Donald Trump, has been at the center of internal White House tensions and questions regarding security protocols. Reports indicate that First Lady Melania Trump has expressed significant discomfort regarding Harp’s constant presence and close working relationship with the President. Tensions reportedly escalated after the First Lady observed Harp and the President working late in a restricted family area of the White House.

Beyond personal friction, Harp’s role has drawn scrutiny regarding security clearances. Reports suggest that Harp worked in the White House for over a year without completing the standard security clearance process, potentially relying on interim Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information access. While Trump authorized such interim clearances in early 2025 to allow officials to begin work during background investigations, Harp reportedly declined to start the formal process multiple times before eventually submitting the required forms following internal concerns and presidential intervention. She has since been granted clearance.