Rosie O'Donnell, guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!, made a pointed comment about Donald Trump on Wednesday night's episode. O'Donnell, who has largely avoided direct confrontation with the president during her week-long stint, quipped, "You got to realize it’s time to hang up your wig and let Natalie tuck you in."
This remark drew audible reactions from the studio audience and is understood to reference Trump's relationship with his trusted aide, Natalie Harp. The relationship between President Trump, 80, and Harp, 35, has been under scrutiny in recent weeks, particularly after reports that she was among a small group of aides accompanying him on a military aircraft from Turkey last month.
Harp reportedly assists with Trump's Truth Social account and various administrative duties. New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, in a recently published book, reported that Harp was known for leaving adoring notes for Trump, including one that read: "You are all that matters to me." Haberman has also referred to Harp as Trump's "binkie" and "comfort blanket."
The White House has defended Harp, with a spokesperson previously stating, "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."