Trump Could Be Impeached Over $45K Natalie Harp Gift: Ex-White House Lawyer
Summary
President Donald Trump gave several White House aides large cash gifts, including a $45,000 gift to Natalie Harp. A former White House ethics lawyer says these payments may violate a federal law that stops government workers from getting extra pay from outside sources and could lead to legal problems or impeachment.Key Facts
- Natalie Harp received a $45,000 cash gift from President Trump, reported as a holiday gift.
- Other aides, Margo Martin and Chamberlain Harris, also got $45,000 gifts; Walt Nauta received $20,000.
- These gifts equal about 30% of the aides' yearly salaries, which are around $150,000.
- The law in question (18 U.S.C. § 209) bans executive branch workers from getting extra pay from private sources related to their government jobs.
- The White House says the gifts are personal and not linked to government duties, so they are allowed.
- The key legal issue is if these gifts are secret extra pay for government work or just personal presents.
- The aides all had close, long-term ties to Trump before joining his current administration.
- Former White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter argues this may be illegal pay supplementation.
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