Natalie Harp Worked At White House For Over A Year Without Security Clearance, Report Says

BreakingBusinessNatalie Harp Worked At White House For Over A Year Without Security Clearance, Report SaysByAntonio Pequeño IV,Forbes Staff. Pequeño is a breaking news reporter who covers tech and more.Follow AuthorAug 19, 2026, 08:15pm EDTToplinePresident Donald Trump’s aide Natalie Harp declined to seek routine security clearance for the White House for over a year, MS NOW reported Wednesday, revealing more information about her role as she has been thrust into the spotlight recently over her near-constant proximity to the president. Natalie Harp, executive assistant to U.S. President Donald Trump, listens to a reporter's question as Trump holds a bilateral meeting with President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun in the Oval Office of the White House on July 21, 2026.Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty ImagesKey FactsHarp declined to complete the security process that is standard for staffers in the West Wing, rejecting it multiple times over the course of more than a year, according to MS NOW.Harp’s reasoning for ducking the process was unknown, according to unnamed sources who spoke to MS NOW, who noted concerns from White House security officials led to Trump directly intervening and Harp completing forms needed to launch a formal federal background investigation that resulted in her receiving security clearance.One national security official has expressed concern Harp’s proximity to Trump and his residence gives her access to more sensitive information than other senior White House officials, MS NOW reported.Harp, 35, has developed a reputation as a gatekeeper for Trump, providing him with printed poll numbers and physical copies of favorable news coverage.Forbes has reached out to the White House for comment. if (!window.cnxel) { window.cnxel = {}; window.cnxel.cmd = []; var iframe = document.createElement('iframe'); iframe.style.display = 'none'; iframe.onload = function() { var iframeDoc = iframe.contentWindow.document; var script = iframeDoc.createElement('script'); sc...