Donald Trump Spotted With New Young Aide Instead of Natalie Harp Amid Scrutiny Over Their 'Unhealthy Bond'
Donald Trump was spotted spending time with Margo Martin.
Aug. 7 2026, Published 2:25 p.m. ET
President Donald Trump was spotted hanging out with a new aide on Marine One amid backlash over his bond with Natalie Harp.
As Trump, 80, headed to an appearance in Milford, Michigan, he was seen in a vehicle with Margo Martin, who he called his "most beautiful" assistant, RadarOnline.com has learned.
Margo Martin Spotted Alongside President
Martin works in Trump's communications team.
Martin, 31, is the Special Assistant to the President/Communications Adviser. She's largely responsible for influencer and social media relations, especially capturing behind-the-scenes content of Trump's second term. Martin is considered responsible for the wide impact of the Team Trump brand online.
As for her specific role throughout the Michigan outing, it's unclear. Trump is set to tour a General Motors facility.
Martin's Past Legal Problems Revealed
Martin notably testified before a grand jury about potentially classified documents.
Martin began her career with the Trump administration during the tail end of his first term. She served as a press assistant in the White House Office of the Press Secretary in 2020. However, she left the position in January 2021 when Trump left office.
However, she didn't stop supporting Trump and his efforts. Instead, she joined him in a more private capacity, moving to West Palm Beach and assuming the role of lead press secretary in his office.
But she found herself ensnared in legal issues when her devices were subpoenaed. Martin frequently recorded Trump's interviews for publication, and, in one, he confessed one document in his possession was not declassified.
As a result, Martin appeared before a grand jury in March 2023.
Natalie Harp Absent
Harp wasn't seen at Trump's side as they headed to the plane.
Harp was absent from the outing, which was notable as she's been a frequent fixture alongside the commander-in-chief.
This comes after the 34-year-old was accused of being "obsessed" with the POTUS by critics on social media, following reports that she penned emotional notes to Trump.
"You are all that matters to me," Harp reportedly wrote in a letter to Trump.
Harp was also criticized for her frequent appearances at Trump's side in the White House, especially as people wondered if she had the appropriate security clearance to participate in certain conversations.
One person wrote, "Does this Natalie Harp have extremely high security clearance? She’s in every meeting and on all the AF1 trips. I hope they actually checked."
The Secret Service was additionally rumored to concerned by Harp's consistent presence. They allegedly identified her as a “potential danger to herself as well as to the president,” according to an excerpt from Michael Wolff's book, All or Nothing: How Trump Recaptured America.
Harp and Trump's Relationship Branded 'Unhealthy'
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The Secret Service were reportedly worried about her presence.
Trump and Harp's relationship has often been called "creepy" by observers online, but the criticism has also come from her own family members.
Her brother, Preston, told the Daily Mail that his sister's relationship with the president appeared to be "very unhealthy."
"I don't understand why my sister, or anyone could want to work for Trump," he added.
