A White House aide with continuous access to President Donald Trump failed for more than a year to complete the paperwork required for a federal background check—a process considered essential for anyone working in proximity to sensitive national security information. The situation grew serious enough that Trump himself reportedly intervened directly. Senior officials attempted to restrict her around-the-clock access, with limited success.
The Clearance Delay
The SF-86 form—a comprehensive questionnaire covering past residences, financial history, and foreign contacts—serves as the foundation for federal background investigations. White House employees are typically required to submit this paperwork at the start of their tenures. According to sources who spoke with MS NOW on August 19, Natalie Harp received multiple extensions to complete the form before the background check could begin. She consistently did not submit it.
One official familiar with the process told the outlet that Harp is frequently positioned only feet from the president and within earshot of conversations involving highly confidential matters. The official characterized the prolonged failure to complete the clearance as concerning.
Limiting Access
Sources indicate senior staff made what they described as "subtle moves" to limit Harp's presence around Trump, but these efforts proved unsuccessful. Ultimately, Harp completed the required forms after receiving direct communication from the president himself.
Her reasoning for declining to finish the paperwork remains unknown. Several colleagues confirmed she ultimately complied in recent months.
Beyond the West Wing
Harp's role extends well beyond administrative duties in the White House. She has accompanied Trump on multiple domestic and international trips, visiting his properties in Florida and New Jersey and traveling with him to countries including Scotland and Turkey.
During a May 2023 visit to one of Trump's properties, Harp was photographed running behind the president's golf cart. She later sent him a letter expressing regret for her behavior and acknowledging she had neglected her health while serving in her role. Friends who glimpsed the correspondence said she described how the demands of the position had caused her to skip meals and lose sleep.
Her access during high-security moments was also notable. During a July trip to Turkey, she was among a small group of officials who accompanied Trump in a catering cart amid a security threat at Ankara airport.
Relationship Under Scrutiny
Harp's rise to Trump's inner circle began in 2020, when she spoke at the Republican National Convention about how the Right to Try Act—signed by Trump in 2018—helped her overcome bone cancer. By 2022, she was working on his re-election campaign, where top aides nicknamed her the "Human Printer" for her routine of printing favorable news coverage and polling data for Trump.
In 2025, she joined the White House staff and became known as one of his most favored employees. Her closeness to the president has fueled speculation online, with social media users questioning her role and influence.
Her brother, Preston Harp, discussed their relationship in an August 18 CNN interview. He characterized his sister's attraction to Trump as an "unhealthy obsession," suggesting it stemmed from beliefs instilled by their mother about American exceptionalism. Preston noted his sister had previously written letters to other politicians, including President George W. Bush during the Iraq War.
Who Should Care
- Congressional oversight members**: Questions about security protocols for White House staff with proximity to classified information
- National security observers**: Concerns about background check compliance in the West Wing
- Ethics watchdogs**: Scrutiny of personal relationships between senior officials and the president
- White House staff**: Questions about consistency in applying clearance requirements across the administration
Key takeaways
- Harp's year-long delay in completing required security paperwork represents an unusual exception to standard White House protocol
- Direct presidential intervention appears to have resolved the immediate compliance issue, raising questions about whether standard processes applied equally
- Her continued access to confidential conversations despite the unresolved status highlights potential vulnerabilities in how proximity to the president is managed
- The situation highlights broader questions about accountability when clearance protocols may be selectively enforced
Frequently asked questions
What is the SF-86 form and why is it important?
The SF-86 is a comprehensive questionnaire required for federal background investigations. It collects information about past residences, financial history, foreign contacts, and other details used to determine eligibility for access to classified information.
Why did senior officials try to limit Harp's access?
Sources indicated concern about having someone with unresolved background check status in close proximity to sensitive information and the president. The attempts were described as "subtle" and reportedly unsuccessful.
What ultimately prompted Harp to complete the clearance process?
Sources confirmed she filled out the required forms after receiving direct communication from Trump himself, though her specific reasoning for the initial delay remains unknown.
How unusual is this situation?
Sources indicated Harp was among a small number of employees who had not undergone the security clearance procedure for an extended period, suggesting her situation was atypical.
What questions remain unanswered?
Key questions include why Harp initially declined to complete the paperwork, whether standard protocols were applied consistently across all staff, and what specific access she had during the period when her clearance was unresolved.
Inspired by reporting from: boredpanda.com