Natalie Harp Won Over Donald Trump Through 'Unwavering, Shameless Devotion,' Ex-White House Staffer Claims: 'She Understands How He Operates'

In an essay written for The Bulwark, former White House Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Matthews explained that Natalie Harp became indispensable to President Donald Trump through "unwavering, shameless" devotion and by serving as an instant enabler of his impulses.

“Long before Harp sprinted down the fairways of a Scottish golf course in an effort to catch up with Trump’s motorcade, I heard plenty of stories about the absurd lengths people went to for ‘the boss,’” Matthews wrote.

“While their relationship is deeply bizarre, I think Harp simply understands just how Trump operates,” she wrote. “He wants emotional support blankets; he wants people who never push back; he wants to be put on a pedestal. Harp is just better at the game than anyone else... for now.”

Matthews, who resigned from the Trump administration on Jan. 6, 2021, wrote that Harp’s ascent to top aide wasn’t surprising based on her experience working for the president, first in his 2020 presidential campaign from 2019 to 2020 and then as deputy press secretary until the Capitol insurrection led to her decision to resign.

“We all knew that Trump had his favorites, and we also knew the rug could be pulled out from under you at any moment. Working for him was a constant balancing act that felt, at times, like you were living 24/7 in an episode of The Apprentice,” Matthews wrote.

“At one stage, I remember Trump repeatedly requesting the same female press wrangler for trips so often that it became the subject of fascination and concern among other aides. In her memoir, Trump’s former press secretary Stephanie Grisham wrote about how Trump 'behaved inappropriately' toward that young press staffer, often asked after her, and frequently invited her to his private cabin aboard Air Force One — once saying, ‘Let’s bring her up here and look at her a--,’” she recalled.

And while Harp is in good standing with the POTUS, Matthews agrees with assessments that not everyone is as appreciative of her ubiquity.

“The steady stream of leaks about Harp tells me some of her colleagues clearly have it out for her,” she added.

Harp, however, doesn't have much to worry about as long as she continues to flatter the octogenarian’s fragile ego, Matthews said.

“Sycophants always get rewarded in Trump’s orbit. When I was in the White House, the press team knew how to manage him, often printing out positive tweets or flattering articles from friendly outlets before going to the boss with an ask or breaking bad news. The hope was to butter him up first. Harp’s role as 'human printer' is clearly an evolution of that strategy: keep him constantly awash in adoring posts and favorable news. For her efforts, she is granted what the most prized currency in Trump world is: access,” Matthews explained.

Harp is currently facing intense scrutiny following explosive revelations in a book, leaked personal letters, and targeted political attacks.

Reports have surfaced examining her digital footprint and influence. CNN uncovered a now-deactivated Twitter account tied to Harp that posted over 150 pro-Trump messages on January 6, 2021, repeating claims of a stolen election. She has also faced internal finger-pointing regarding her control over the president’s Truth Social accounts.

Despite the whirlwind of controversies, the White House has fiercely defended her, and she was spotted remaining right by Trump’s side as recently as Thursday, August 27, during a high-profile Republican fundraiser in Houston, Tx.