A new book has revealed insights into the close relationship between former President Donald Trump and one of his aides, Natalie Harp. Co-authored by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, “Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump” provides a detailed account of the dynamics within Trump’s inner circle during his post-presidency phase.
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The authors conducted over 1,000 interviews with various figures connected to Trump to piece together a narrative of his return to political prominence from early 2023 to the present. Among the revelations in the book is the assertion that Harp played a significant role in shaping the information that reached Trump, often leaving him private notes in places he frequented. Notably, one of these letters, which reportedly bewildered his then-future campaign manager Susie Wiles, expressed an intimate message: “you are all that matters to me.”
Harp, who previously worked as a television personality on Fox News and One America News Network, has maintained a relatively low public profile despite her influential position within Trump’s circle. The book mentions that Trump affectionately referred to her as “Nathalie,” adopting a French pronunciation, and claimed she was “the only one who loved him as much as his wife and kids.” This pronouncement underscores the deep bond he appears to have formed with his executive assistant.
During Trump’s time away from office, Harp was often found at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, accompanying him on the golf course and supplying him with a continuous stream of positive news coverage and supportive social media comments. According to Haberman and Swan, she would present these updates aloud and later provide printed copies, emphasising her role in curating a narrative that bolstered Trump’s self-image.
A spokesperson for Trump defended his use of social media as an effective communication tool, differentiating his approach from traditional media. They stated that Trump’s direct lines of communication resonated with the American public while expressing admiration for the loyalty he has inspired among his staff, including Harp.
The book further highlights Harp’s integral presence in the Oval Office during Trump’s presumed return to the presidency in 2024. Described as “the most devoted” of Trump’s aides, Harp’s role involved being on standby, ready to respond to any request from the former president. Whether it was fetching merchandise for a campaign or collating information from right-wing media, her reliability was a notable feature of her professional conduct.
As Trump resumed his political career, Harp gained increasing access to his Truth Social account and became the aide with substantial control over the platform. Previously, her tasks had included retrieving data for Trump about trade tariffs when he expressed scepticism towards information provided by his broader economic team. The book mentions her struggle to find the information he demanded, reflecting the challenging dynamics of Trump’s leadership style.
In an era where political loyalty is often scrutinised, Harp’s relationship with Trump illustrates the blend of personal and professional affection that has characterised his tenure in office. The complexities of their interactions indicate a unique bond, one that not only influences Trump’s decision-making but also shapes how he perceives his support network.
Overall, “Regime Change” sheds light on the inner workings of a presidency marked by unconventional relationships and a deeply intertwined approach to loyalty and information flow. As Trump continues to navigate the political landscape, the revelations about his relationship with aides like Harp will likely provoke discussions about the nature of loyalty and authority within political circles.