David Axelrod, a former adviser to President Obama, criticized Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) for referencing Natalie Harp, an aide to former President Donald Trump, during a recent speech. Axelrod stated that while Ossoff's speech was effective in attacking Trump, the mention of Harp was unnecessary and detracted from the overall message.
Ossoff made the comments during a campaign rally in Atlanta, where he criticized Trump’s handling of the war with Iran. He stated, 'While the sailors on the Lincoln fight his war... the president sleeps through his meetings, he golfs, and trades stocks.' He also mentioned Harp in the context of Trump’s lifestyle, saying, 'He wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying palace, gifted by the Emir of Qatar.'
The remarks quickly gained attention and were met with backlash from Trump supporters, who accused Ossoff of making a sexist implication regarding Harp. Trump responded by calling Ossoff a 'Pee-wee Herman look-alike.'
When questioned about the comment, Ossoff emphasized the need to focus on the broader group surrounding Trump, describing them as 'sycophants.' Ossoff is currently campaigning for a second term against Republican Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) in a competitive race ahead of the November midterm elections.