Donald Trump gave thousands of dollars in holiday gifts to White House aides

President Donald Trump gave cash holiday gifts to four White House aides, according to financial disclosure forms released by the administration. Executive assistant Natalie Harp, communications adviser Margo Martin, and deputy director of Oval Office operations Chamberlain Harris each received 45,000 dollars. Director of Oval Office operations Walt Nauta received a 20,000 dollar gift. Harp, Martin, and Harris earn annual salaries of 150,000 dollars, while Nauta is paid 175,000 dollars per year.

A White House official stated that the president has a longstanding practice of giving Christmas gifts to people in his orbit, including employees in both the government and private sectors. The administration asserted that the gifts were not related to official government duties and are permissible under legal and ethical standards. However, a lawyer who served under George W. Bush told the Washington Post that such gifts might violate laws prohibiting the supplementation of government salaries from outside sources.

Much of the coverage focused on Natalie Harp, a 35 year old former television anchor. Reports describe her as a constant presence by the president's side who often prints favorable media coverage and social media posts for him. She recently gained public attention after Senator Jon Ossoff mentioned her in a speech criticizing the president. Walt Nauta, who also received a gift, was previously charged in a case involving classified documents, though those charges were dismissed in 2024.