Poynter is reporting that media outlets are focusing on White House aide Natalie Harp, who has been a constant presence near President Donald Trump. Harp was reportedly one of the few who joined Trump on a separate plane due to security concerns after a NATO summit. Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff's comment about Trump and Harp led to a strong reaction from Trump supporters, which Ossoff called a "White House meltdown." CNN's Isabelle Chapman and Andrew Kaczynski reported Harp flooded her now-deleted X account with posts urging people to "FIGHT FOR TRUMP" on Jan. 6, 2021, before she worked for him. The New York Times' Shawn McCreesh and Maggie Haberman reported Harp provides Trump with an "unvetted flow of information," acting as a "human printer" who supplies content from social media. The Atlantic's Jonathan Lemire said she reinforces Trump's worldview. Harp credits Trump's 2018 legislation with saving her life from bone cancer, leading to her joining his team in 2022.
Poynter also reports that Donald Trump is suing the BBC for defamation over a documentary that aired before the 2024 election. The documentary, which spliced parts of his Jan. 20, 2021 speech, led to a BBC apology and resignations. Trump is seeking $10 million, despite the documentary not airing in the U.S. and his 2024 election win. Trump's lawyers are attempting to block the BBC's request to subpoena his children, Donald Jr., Ivanka, and her husband, Jared Kushner. The Hill's Mira Bhakta reported the BBC argued Trump's children have relevant personal knowledge and records, and previous subpoena attempts were thwarted by the Secret Service. U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Kuntz has not yet ruled on the case.
The Washington Post is reporting on President Trump's health, specifically his weight. Trump, 80, was the oldest person sworn in as president for his second term. The Washington Post's Dan Diamond noted concerns about bruising, ankle swelling, and drowsiness. While his Georgia booking record listed his weight as 215 pounds, a May medical report stated 238 pounds, just under the "obese" classification. Diamond said Trump has appeared heavier and gained 14 pounds between recent annual checkups. White House physicians have advised weight loss, improved diet, and physical activity. The White House did not directly respond to questions about Trump's weight, instead pointing to his energy and stamina.
For the first time in 50 years, The New York Times lost a defamation lawsuit, Poynter reports. Kai Spears, a University of Alabama basketball player, was awarded $9.25 million after a jury found the paper defamed him in a 2023 article. The article incorrectly reported Spears was at the scene of a deadly shooting in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The Times' spokesperson, Charlie Stadtlander, expressed disappointment, stating the verdict was contrary to law and evidence, and the paper is considering legal options. The New York Times' Katie Robertson reported the article attributed the information to a single anonymous source, and The Times argued it was not defamatory as it did not imply Spears' involvement in the shooting, only his presence. Surveillance, dashcam footage, and text messages showed Spears was nearby but not at the scene.