Trump’s $45,000 holiday gifts to Natalie Harp and other aides disclosed

President Donald Trump gave significant gifts to four White House aides, including $45,000 to executive assistant Natalie Harp.

The revelation comes from the newly disclosed White House financial disclosure forms released by the administration.

According to disclosure, Natalie Harp received $45,000. Communications adviser Margo Martin and deputy director of Oval Office operations Chamberlain Harris also received $45,000.

However, the Director of Oval Office Operations, Walt Nauta, received $20,000. Harp, Martin, and Harris each make an annual government salary of $150,000, while Nauta earns $175,000 per year, according to the White House’s salary disclosure report to Congress.

After the disclosure, a White House spokesperson defended the payment, citing that Trump has a long-standing history of giving gifts to people working “in his orbit, including at times employees and aides, both in government and in his time in the private sector.”

According to the statement, the cash gifts were unrelated to official duties, making them legally and ethically permissible.

However, the official did not reveal whether any other staffer were given similar gifts from the president or not.

When it comes to Natalie Harp, since last month she has been in the spotlight due to her close relationship with President Trump as revealed by her letter.

She is also known for frequently traveling by Trump's side carrying a portable printer to provide him with paper copies of favorable news and social media.

Media reports also highlighted unusual episodes including an incident when she reportedly stowed herself in the trunk of an SUV in a presidential motorcade after a dispute so she wouldn't be left behind, and another where she was recorded sprinting across a golf course to keep up with Trump's cart.