E-Paper
Natalie Harp behind Karoline Leavitt 'firing'? Wild 'decoy plane' theory surfaces as Trump's Press Secretary steps down
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is stepping down from her role and wild theories claim Natalie Harp, President Donald Trump's aide, might be why.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is stepping down from her role. The 28-year-old is leaving at the end of the month to spend more time with her family.
In a social media post, Leavitt said “The truth is since returning to the White House after the birth of my daughter, I have felt in my heart that I cannot be the best mom my two young children deserve while devoting the constant time, energy, and attention required of the White House Press Secretary — and that is why I have ultimately made the bittersweet decision to depart the White House and embark on a new chapter in my life.”
President Donald Trump replied “I totally understand and respect!,” adding, “Karoline will now be one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections.”
Deep Dive
Leavitt had returned as the Press Secretary after her second child, Viviana, was born in May. She also has a 2-year-old son. Now, reports have emerged that Leavitt was on the Air Force One flight, while Trump took a ‘decoy plane’ out of Turkiye, amid a possible threat from Iran. Amid this, wild theories have circulated online about Trump's aide, Natalie Harp, being the possible reason for Leavitt's departure. Here's all you need to know.
Natalie Harp behind Karoline Leavitt's ‘firing’? Wild claims rise
Claims have been made online that Natalie Harp might have gotten Karoline Leavitt fired. However, these claims come from unverified sources. Other claims have indicated that Natalie Harp traveled with Trump on the ‘decoy plane’ while Leavitt was left on Air Force One, which might have prompted her decision. HT.com could not independently verify these claims.
To be sure, the official reason given for Leavitt's departure is to spend more time with her family.
Meanwhile, one person commented “Karoline Leavitt is the classic 'mean girl' and Natalie Harp wasn't having it.”
Another noted “Natalie Harp was believed to be behind the firing of Karoline Leavitt. This is very interesting!”. Yet another said “Natalie Harp is believed to be behind the firing of Karoline Leavitt.”
A person also claimed “After Karoline Leavitt announced she was leaving the WH, Natalie Harp was seen crossing Karoline's name off a list which included Pam Bondi, Alina Habba…”, but the list went on to include Elsa from Frozen as well, so it was likely posted as a joke.
An alleged video of Leavitt was also shared online.
Meanwhile, another person wrote “Karoline Leavitt must be stepping down because Natalie Harp got to go on the food catering cart with Donald Trump and she didn’t. Everybody’s got a favorite, Karol.”
Notably, neither Leavitt nor Harp, or anyone from the Trump administration has commented on these speculations which remain unsubstantiated.
Who is Natalie Harp?
Natalie J. Harp is an American political aide who has served as president Trump's executive assistant since 2025. Before she entered politics, Harp worked as a television presenter and was soon known as one of Trump's closest aides during his campaigns and presidency.
She is often seen traveling with the president and assisting him during public appearances. Media reports have described Harp as one of Trump's most trusted aides. Some have also referred to Harp as Trump's "human printer" because she regularly provides him with printed news articles, talking points and briefing materials, as per The Daily Beast.
