President Donald Trump’s holiday gifts to a select group of White House aides have come under scrutiny after financial disclosures revealed that four staff members reported receiving cash gifts totaling $157,000. Three aides—Natalie Harp, communications adviser Margo Martin, and executive assistant Chamberlain Harris—each received $45,000, while Walt Nauta received $22,000. The unusually large amounts have drawn attention because only four of the more than 90 listed staff members reported receiving gifts from the president. The White House says the payments were personal holiday gifts unrelated to government duties and therefore permissible under applicable ethics rules.

The disclosure has also renewed attention on Harp, one of Trump’s closest aides, whose role has attracted public interest for years. Harp became known after sharing her experience with cancer and crediting Trump’s “Right to Try” policy, later joining his staff and becoming closely involved in his daily communications. Ethics experts have disagreed over whether the cash payments could be considered gifts or additional compensation, with some saying the size and circumstances raise legitimate questions. At the same time, Melania Trump’s senior adviser Marc Beckman has rejected what he described as media gossip surrounding Harp and the First Family. He argued that coverage should focus on the administration’s work rather than speculation about private relationships, leaving the unusual payments—and the questions surrounding them—as the issue still drawing attention.