The White House came under examination on Thursday following reports that Natalie Harp, the executive assistant to President Trump, operated in her role for approximately one year without obtaining a security clearance. According to MS Now network reporting, Harp declined to complete the required background investigation forms for undisclosed reasons until the White House counsel’s office intervened and Trump himself became involved in the matter.
Norm Eisen, former White House ethics official and co-founder of Democracy Defenders Action, characterized the situation as problematic for national security. “It is shocking that an aide who has potential exposure to the nation’s most sensitive secrets reportedly went without a security clearance for so long,” Eisen stated, adding that the arrangement represented “continued incompetence” and vulnerability to intelligence risks. David Axelrod, who served as chief strategist under President Barack Obama, similarly described the matter as “a deadly serious issue” if accurate.
Former White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter, who served under President George W. Bush, noted that while not all White House staff require security clearance, those with access to classified information or proximity to sensitive discussions must obtain it. He suggested that if Harp accompanied the president on Air Force One where classified conversations might occur, clearance would be necessary. The White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded by stating that Harp “has a security clearance like everyone else, and she is a loyal and hardworking member of President Trump’s team.”
Donald K. Sherman, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, drew parallels to Trump’s first administration, citing the case of Jared Kushner, whose clearance was granted following Trump’s intervention despite concerns from intelligence officials. Sherman characterized such arrangements as “a disturbing trend” given the sensitivity of information involved. Harp’s prominence came under additional scrutiny this week after Senator Jon Ossoff referenced her in campaign remarks, prompting significant social media reaction and White House pushback.
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