WASHINGTON, United States — President Donald Trump was shown critical news coverage by his close aide, Natalie Harp, shortly before he barred CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, according to multiple news reports citing people familiar with the events.
Harp, the president’s executive assistant, presented him with television clips and graphics from news organisations on Friday, September 18, 2026, before he announced that their journalists would no longer be permitted to enter the presidential complex.
The material included a graphic published by Politico that reportedly angered Trump, according to CNN, which cited people familiar with the matter.
Reuters separately reported that an individual familiar with the events said Harp had presented Trump with news reports that contributed to his decision to exclude the three organisations.
The reports have drawn attention to Harp’s role in managing the information reaching the president and her involvement in his daily communications.
An Aide With Direct Access to the President
Harp, who regularly accompanies Trump, plays a central role in providing him with news reports, social media posts, and other information throughout the day.
She frequently carries a portable printer, which she uses to supply the president with printed material, and assists with his social media communications.
Forbes reported that Harp is often among the final people to review Trump’s social media posts before publication.
The publication also cited concerns among people in his circle about her influence over the information he receives.
Harp’s access to Trump has attracted attention beyond her formal responsibilities as an executive assistant.
In a commentary published by Salon, Amanda Marcotte examined Harp’s relationship with the president and questioned the influence she exercises through her role in providing him with information.
The article also cited reporting that senior White House officials were surprised by Trump’s decision to exclude the three news organisations.
Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was out of town when the directive was issued, according to Politico.
Trump has not publicly identified Harp as responsible for the restrictions.
In explaining his decision, he referred to what he described as a cumulative pattern of unfavourable reporting over the preceding two years.
News Organisations Challenge the Ban
CNN, MS NOW, and Politico filed a federal lawsuit on Monday, alleging that the restrictions violated their constitutional rights to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and due process.
The organisations requested an emergency court order restoring their journalists’ White House credentials.
The dispute also disrupted presidential television coverage.
After the White House removed CNN from a scheduled pool assignment, ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox News declined to replace the network in the rotation that provides shared footage of presidential events.
