Natalie Harp mocked for 'odd Melania impression' and 'dominance' in Dublin
Natalie Harp mocked for 'odd Melania impression' and 'dominance' in Dublin
Hollie Beale & Ellie HookSat, September 12, 2026 at 4:52 PM UTC
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Natalie Harp was sure to make an appearance in Ireland -Credit:AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
Donald Trump has arrived in Dublin, Ireland, with Natalie Harp close by his side.
The 80-year-old leader touched down in Ireland on September 12 for a two-day visit focused on the Irish Open and discussions with the country's leadership. Trump was photographed boarding Air Force One the night before, taking questions from reporters before entering the aircraft.
Harp, Trump's 35-year-old special assistant and executive assistant, was conspicuously missing from the initial departure group; instead, the President's son, Donald Trump Jr., his new wife, Bettina Anderson, and several of his children were among those in attendance.
Harp wasn't the only prominent woman noticeably absent from the trip - First Lady Melania Trump also didn't appear to be present. This comes as Melania Trump's whereabouts were finally confirmed this week after a lengthy absence.
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Since Harp has become a regular presence on previous journeys and engagements with Trump, her absence from the main party sparked curiosity, reports the Irish Star.
Nevertheless, Harp was later observed boarding the aircraft away from Trump's core group. She was photographed carrying a substantial carry-on bag and chatting with White House director of Oval Office operations Walt Nauta as they made their way across the Ellipse toward the plane.
After Air Force One touched down in Dublin, Harp was seen making her way through the gathering alongside the Trump family and other members of the president's team. Harp had switched up her attire, swapping her form-fitting black dress for a body-hugging green number that highlighted her slender frame.
Donald Trump made a false claim about his Doonbeg resort -Credit:Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
She completed the ensemble with a pair of sky-high nude stiletto heels.
As she navigated through the gathering, Harp seemed to be in excellent spirits, with body language specialist Darron Stanton identifying several significant indicators of what the 35 year old was attempting to convey.
Speaking exclusively to the Irish Star on behalf of Covers, Darron explained, "Natalie has a long stride in how she's walking; she is very confident. We can see this too in her strides; she appears almost military-like, with her hands at her side.
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"She's very comfortable meeting Trump and keen to give him a positive impression," he observed. Darron added, "She's very keen to show America's solidarity to Ireland and the positive relationship. Facially, no micro expressions of any fear or nervousness. There were no pacifying gestures of self-soothing; she carries herself very well and was keen to convey a real level of confidence."
Natalie Harp was on a different aircraft to Donald Trump -Credit:Getty
The specialist then pointed out, "One of the most interesting moments is her handshake. Natalie appears to pull the other person slightly towards her, which can be interpreted as a display of dominance.
"It's reminiscent of Trump's own approach and the way he has often used strong handshakes to assert his presence and authority. Natalie seems to have made a conscious decision about how she wants to be perceived here - as gracious, but also strong and confident.
"She doesn't display any obvious submissive gestures. Her posture is upright, her shoulders are back, and she maintains strong eye contact during the greeting," he went on.
"However, there is a noticeable change as Natalie walks into the building. At that point, she doesn't appear to make eye contact with those around her, and there is very little conversation or interaction as she walks."
A clip of the encounter was shared on X, where one user fired back: "Natalie Harp does her best Melania impression and heads inside. She introduces herself as 'Natalie' with a handshake. Notice she is at the end of the same line as Don Jr. and family.
Melania did join Trump at the Pentagon on Friday -Credit:AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein
"So fricking odd," remarked a second user, while a third weighed in, "And Melania is NOT in Ireland with Trump. Natalie is...... Nothing, Nothing to see here, folks......."
Darren then drew parallels between Melania and Harp during the Trumps' reception of King Charles and Queen Camilla in the US.
"By comparison, Melania appears to take a slightly different approach during her interaction with Queen Camilla. She subtly matches Camilla's posture, which helps create a sense of rapport between the two.
"As they begin to make their way into the building, Trump and King Charles walk ahead, while Melania makes a very subtle hand gesture towards Camilla, almost as if to say, 'after you.'
"It's a small gesture, but one that demonstrates respect and an awareness of the situation. Melania appears to understand the decorum expected of her and is careful to show Camilla courtesy rather than attempting to assert dominance."
During Trump's visit to Ireland, the President is also set to deliver remarks at the US ambassador's residence while in the capital. He will then head to his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, to take in the Irish Open 2026.
The tournament, taking place at Trump International Golf Links, kicked off on Thursday, with Trump anticipated to be present for the prize ceremony on Sunday before heading back to the White House.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
