President Donald Trump shared a photograph on his Truth Social account showing him standing beside Chinese President Xi Jinping during a military flyover at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. The only other figure in the frame is Natalie Harp, the president’s executive assistant, who has been the subject of scrutiny in recent months.
The image, posted on Thursday, captures Trump and Xi on a red carpet as a B‑1 bomber passes overhead. Harp is positioned to Trump’s left, a few feet behind him, with a hand over her heart. No other White House officials appear in the shot, and neither Melania Trump nor Peng Liyuan, Xi’s wife, are pictured. The photo is labeled with the words “Only Trump.”
Harp, a former television presenter, has drawn attention for her close relationship with Trump. She once left the president letters of devotion, and her estranged brother has described their relationship as “very unhealthy.” Times reporter Maggie Haberman, who co‑authored a book on Trump’s return to office, has described Harp as a gatekeeper who relays information outside formal channels. She is known for providing Trump with news stories and social‑media content, carrying a portable printer that has earned her the nickname “human printer.”
Harp has accompanied Trump on numerous trips, including golf outings and the president’s 2025 state visit to China. She was also among a small group of staffers on a military flight from Turkey in July amid concerns about an Iranian attack. The Washington Post reported that Harp repeatedly declined to obtain security clearance for over a year while working at the White House, a claim the White House spokesperson denied. The Wall Street Journal noted that Trump’s sudden ban of CNN, Politico and MS NOW from the White House followed Harp’s presentation of clips from MS NOW criticizing his administration. Trump allies and White House officials have defended Harp, citing her loyalty and intelligence, with CNN commentator Scott Jennings and a White House spokesperson praising her as a trusted aide.
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