WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump gave a total of $155,000 in Christmas gifts to four White House officials, including executive assistant Natalie Harp, according to newly released financial disclosure documents.
Harp received $45,000, while Trump’s communications adviser Margo Martin and Oval Office operations deputy director Chamberlain Harris also received $45,000 each. Walt Nauta, director of Oval Office operations, received $20,000.
The gifts were disclosed Tuesday in the officials’ annual financial reports. The figures were first reported by The Washington Post and subsequently cited by The Guardian.
According to White House payroll records, Harp, Martin and Harris each earn an annual salary of $150,000, while Nauta’s annual salary is $175,000.
A White House official said Trump has a longstanding practice of giving substantial Christmas gifts to people close to him. The official maintained that the payments were unrelated to the recipients’ government duties and were permissible under applicable laws and ethical standards.
Harp is frequently seen alongside Trump. She reportedly carries a portable printer so she can print positive news reports and social media posts for the president, who prefers to read important information on paper.
Nauta previously served as Trump’s personal assistant before taking on his current White House role.
The disclosures have drawn attention because the value of the gifts represents a significant sum compared with the recipients’ government salaries, although the White House has said the gifts were legally and ethically permissible.
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