White House Says $45k Gift to Natalie Harp, Others 'Entirely Permissible'
Summary
The White House says that President Donald Trump gave $45,000 cash gifts to three White House employees for the holidays, including Natalie Harp, and that these gifts follow federal law and ethics rules. Some experts have raised concerns that such large cash gifts may violate rules against supplementing federal salaries, but others say it depends on the reasons behind the payments.Key Facts
- President Trump gave $45,000 cash holiday gifts to Natalie Harp, Margo Martin, and Chamberlain Harris, who work in the White House.
- Each recipient also earns a government salary of about $150,000 a year.
- Walt Nauta, another White House employee, received a $20,000 gift from Trump.
- The White House said these gifts are a long-standing practice and do not relate to official duties.
- Some ethics experts worry the gifts could break laws that forbid private payments adding to federal salaries.
- Others say it’s unclear if the gifts violate any laws without knowing the exact reasons for giving the money.
- Large payments like these could cause legal or ethics investigations if they are seen as bonus pay for government work.
- Natalie Harp’s role close to President Trump has recently drawn public attention and scrutiny.
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