Conservative CEO Amy Robbins raised eyebrows on CNN after declaring that Natalie Harp, one of President Donald Trump’s most trusted aides, should be considered the “poster child” for modern-day feminists because of her work ethic and dedication.
The heated exchange unfolded on CNN’s “NewsNight with Abby Phillip” during a discussion about Harp and her relationship with the president.
Host Abby Phillip played a clip of New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman discussing Harp’s devotion to Trump. Haberman said people in Trump’s orbit have described Harp as someone who spends little time doing anything outside of her job.
“She doesn’t really do much outside of work,” Haberman said, adding that Harp “works constantly for him.”
Haberman said Trump places significant value on that dedication and compared Harp to a comfort object for the president.
“I described her the other day as, as you know, a binkie for lack of a better way of putting it, a comfort blanket,” Haberman said.
Robbins immediately pushed back on the characterization, arguing the qualities being described should instead be celebrated.
“Everything that she just mentioned, you guys, is she — Natalie Harp should be the poster child for modern day feminists!” Robbins said. “She’s a hard worker. She is resourceful.”
As Adam Mockler of MediasTouch attempted to jump into the conversation, Robbins continued making her case.
“She climbed the corporate ladder. She sacrificed. She didn’t even sleep, she didn’t even eat, and she got to one of the highest positions in the country!” Robbins said.
Phillip quickly challenged that argument, saying some of the behavior being described sounded troubling rather than empowering.
“I’m sorry — not sleeping and not eating, writing unhealthy-sounding notes to your boss, never doing anything outside of work,” Phillip said. “Sounds like honestly something, somebody that needs an intervention.”
Phillip added that people who care about Harp should potentially be asking how she is doing.
Mockler also rejected Robbins’ attempt to frame Harp’s situation as an example of feminism.
“This is definitely not a case of feminism. It’s kind of sad,” Mockler said.
He said reading Harp’s letters made him feel sad and argued she appeared to have a “unique attachment” to Trump. Mockler also rejected the idea that sacrificing an entire life for a boss represented feminism, saying feminism instead involves fighting for equality and equal rights for women.
“This feels like a really weird situation,” Mockler said before pressing Robbins to acknowledge that the circumstances surrounding Harp appeared unusual.
Despite defending Harp’s hard work and professional rise earlier in the discussion, Robbins ultimately conceded that there was something unusual about the situation.
“I will admit that this is odd,” Robbins said. “It is odd.”
