Melania Trump has not been seen in public for nearly a month, while President Donald Trump has been constantly accompanied by aide Natalie Harp, prompting questions about the First Lady's whereabouts.
First Lady's last public appearance
Melania was last seen on July 19, when she attended the FIFA World Cup Final with her husband. Since then, she has skipped Senator Lindsey Graham's funeral and did not greet the families of four killed US service members whose bodies were returned to the US in late July.
An analysis found that Melania has appeared in public only 38 times this year, roughly one appearance every six days.
Natalie Harp's constant presence
Meanwhile, Natalie Harp, Trump's White House aide, has been with the President nonstop. Harp formerly worked as an anchor on a far-right television show before joining Trump's staff in 2022.
Her closeness to Trump has raised eyebrows and caused concern from her own brother. She was said to have left a personal note for the President in a 'personal space', reading: 'You are all that matters to me.'
Reactions and responses
Harp's brother, Parker, told the Daily Mail: 'I don't understand why my sister, or anyone, could want to work for Trump.'
Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff said of Trump and Harp: 'He doesn't want to do the job. He wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenceless flying palace gifted by the Emir of Qatar.'
The White House dubbed Senator Ossoff a 'cuck' after his remarks, but questions around Harp remain.
Role and speculation
Last month, instead of Melania standing by her husband's side while overseeing the transfer of the soldiers killed in the Middle East, Harp was there. She is also believed to be in charge of his Truth Social posts.
A White House spokesperson previously said of Harp: 'No president has cultivated as much loyalty among their staffers and administration officials as President Trump; this is a testament to his commitment to our country and its people. Natalie Harp is a beloved White House Official, and the Fake News Media will never understand what it's like to be as trusted and admired as her.'
