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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
John Bowden

White House attacks journalist over reports on Trump aide Natalie Harp

  • The White House social media team attacked independent journalist Aaron Rupar after he highlighted that aide Natalie Harp accompanied Donald Trump on his trip to Ireland.
  • The official Rapid Response 47 account called Rupar a "sick, deluded freak" after he posted on X about Harp travelling with the president to his golf resort in Doonbeg for the Irish Open.
  • The 35-year-old aide has come under intense scrutiny following reports detailing her unconventional role, which includes carrying a portable printer to produce positive news coverage for the president and receiving a $45,000 cash gift.
  • The White House has vehemently denied any inappropriate relationship between Trump and Harp, while Democrats contend the reports underline concerns regarding corruption during his second term.
  • The incident highlights the administration's increasingly aggressive stance towards the press during Trump's second presidency, alongside tighter access restrictions at both the White House and the Pentagon.

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