Natalie Harp Faces Scrutiny After Brother Details Family Rift

Natalie Harp, a special assistant to President Donald Trump, is facing renewed attention after her estranged brother Preston Harp described family conflicts surrounding their father's 2020 death, their political differences, and her growing role in Trump's orbit, according to The Washington Post.

Preston Harp told The Washington Post that his relationship with Natalie and their mother deteriorated after disagreements over how to describe their father Bob Harp's death. Bob Harp, a Biola University business professor, died by suicide at age 61 in July 2020.

Preston said the family dispute centered on whether Bob's cause of death should be disclosed publicly. He said police records identified the death as suicide, while Natalie and her mother preferred a private explanation.

"I just said, 'I'm going to say what the police said,'" Preston Harp said.

"He hung himself in the garage," Preston Harp said.

Preston said his father had struggled during the coronavirus pandemic because of isolation. A family source told The Washington Post that Bob Harp was an outgoing person who found prolonged remote work difficult.

"He was an extrovert, and the isolation of working on computer screens all day was difficult for him," the family source told The Washington Post.

Preston also described political divisions inside the family after Natalie became a prominent supporter of Trump. He said Bob Harp did not share Natalie's enthusiasm for the president.

"He was not a fan," Preston Harp said of his father’s view of Trump.

Preston said his sister's public support for Trump increased after she credited the president with helping her during cancer treatment. Natalie later became a visible member of Trump's team, traveling with him and assisting with briefing materials and social media work.

Preston described the contrast between his own political path and Natalie's upbringing. He said he encountered different viewpoints through debate activities while he believed his sister had fewer outside influences.

"I had friends, and I could talk to them," Preston Harp said.

"My sister didn't have a peer group," Preston Harp said.

Preston later moved to Nicaragua and became involved with the Sandinistas, while Natalie remained aligned with conservative political causes. The White House did not provide a detailed response to The Washington Post's account.

Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previously described Harp as one of Trump's most loyal and hardworking aides. Harp has continued serving as a White House staff member while remaining closely associated with the president.