Donald Trump’s echo chamber just got worse
A new development is helping ensure that Donald Trump’s second term will be a self-reinforcing echo chamber on steroids. We already know that Trump likes to surround himself with people who praise him and spin events in his favor, rather than supply him with accurate information needed to make critical decisions for the country. But Trump is taking things to a whole new level by the rising prominence of Natalie Harp, expected to have a seat right outside the Oval Office, whom the New York Times calls the “gatekeeper of information to and from the president.”
Harp’s role will be to follow Trump around constantly, feeding him a steady stream of unvetted, positive news while blocking out anything that does not fit a pro-Trump narrative or that can threaten his happy, confident autocratic mood. During the recent campaign, Harp became known as the “human printer,” handing Trump hard copies of feel-good articles, social media posts, and the like, without regard to its accuracy or bias. At the White House, Harp will play a major role in Trump’s new echo chamber, effectively providing silicone sealant around every edge.
We can also expect more fawning letters to Trump like the ones she is known to have sent recently. According to reports, Harp wrote to Trump that “You are all that matters to me,” and “I don’t ever want to let you down” while calling him her “Guardian and Protector in this life,” further playing to his flattery and fantasy, adding that “I want to bring you joy.” Unfortunately, common sense and history has shown that leaders who surround themselves with sycophants and hold fast to their own distorted version of reality tend to make disastrous decisions.
With Harp as his gatekeeper, Trump is not only doubling down on his need for adoration and loyalty, but he is putting the country at risk. However, whether he realizes it or not, Trump is also taking a huge risk himself. The more Trump detaches himself from the real world and fights back against what is happening in the United States and the world, the more likely he will face his political downfall as voters feel increasingly alienated and crises get more consistently mishandled.
Ron Leshnower is a lawyer and the author of several books, including President Trump’s Month