American aide to Donald Trump; former White House valet and close aide
The Washington Post reports that during a July 8 Ankara stop, Trump was secretly moved from Air Force One to a smaller plane to avoid an Iranian threat. Journalists and some aides remained on the decoy aircraft, while security officials say the move was to protect the president. Details of passenger lists and the full sequence remain undisclosed.
Karoline Leavitt has announced she will leave her role as White House press secretary at the end of August to spend more time with her two young children. President Donald Trump has said she will remain a top outside adviser; the White House has not named a successor and senior officials are expected to brief reporters temporarily.
Natalie Harp, a longtime aide to Donald Trump, is under renewed scrutiny over her proximity to the former president, her role printing material for him, and letters she wrote during a 2023 Scotland trip. New reporting ties her access to sensitive material and questions about security clearances.
Barron Trump faces heightened risk as Iran-backed threats surface, including a video and a $10 million bounty. Melania Trump seeks privacy amid heightened security concerns; officials caution on protecting family while monitoring threats.
White House disclosures show executive assistant Natalie Harp, communications adviser Margo Martin, and Chamberlain Harris received $45,000 gifts while Walt Nauta got $20,000. Officials say the payments were gifts, unrelated to duties, and permissible under ethics rules. Reporters note ties to former President Trump and discuss roles of the recipients.