Donald Trump’s exit from Air Force One raised questions about the aides accompanying him during the change in travel arrangements. Natalie Harp was among the select group who left with the president, drawing particular attention. Trump biographer Maggie Haberman has now explained why she believes Harp was included.
Maggie Haberman reveals why Donald Trump took Natalie Harp amid AF1 escape
In a report by The Daily Beast, Maggie Haberman appeared on “Connect with Jacob Soboroff.” She explained Natalie Harp’s presence during Donald Trump’s unusual departure from Turkey. She said the White House aide was likely included because of her close relationship with the president. Haberman discussed the small group that left with Trump after he reportedly exited Air Force One in a catering truck. Later, the president was allegedly boarded in a military aircraft.
Haberman said she understood why Harp, Walt Nauta, and Dan Scavino were selected to travel with Trump. Meanwhile, other aides and members of the press remained aboard the presidential plane. “Natalie Harp, because she is sort of his Binkie, for lack of a better way of putting it—his comfort blanket,” the reporter said.
Harp has regularly appeared alongside Trump during official activities and visits to his golf course. Her proximity to the president prompted speculation of her becoming the new White House press secretary after Karoline Leavitt’s resignation.
Haberman attributed Nauta’s inclusion to his longstanding role in Trump’s inner circle. “Walt Nauta because he is something similar [to Harp], he also always carries that brown leather briefcase that became very familiar in term one,” she said. The reporter noted that the case contains items Trump relies on, including hairspray and Tic Tacs.
Haberman described Scavino as one of Trump’s “closest aides” and said he has been associated with the president for “30-some odd years.” Harp and Scavino also have access to Trump’s social media accounts, which could have provided a practical reason for including them.
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on Mandatory.
