Behind the cameras and away from the formal optics of a major diplomatic summit, a small group of longtime aides remained closely involved in helping manage President Donald Trump’s recent trip to China for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
While much of the public focus centered on trade discussions, geopolitical tensions, and the high-profile business figures traveling with Trump, several women inside the president’s communications orbit quietly handled responsibilities tied to media strategy, messaging, and day-to-day coordination throughout the visit.
The trip also marked a rare moment for several lesser-known White House staffers to step into a more visible role while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remained on maternity leave following the birth of her daughter earlier this month.
Among the aides accompanying Trump were Anna Kelly, Natalie Harp, and Margo Martin — three women who have each spent years working around Trump’s media and communications operation.
White House communications team draws attention during China visit
Kelly, who serves as principal deputy press secretary, has worked on multiple Republican political campaigns and previously held communications roles connected to state party organizations and the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Virginia native also gained attention years earlier after winning the 2019 Miss State Fair of Virginia title. According to the Fairfax Times, Kelly used her platform during the competition to promote youth involvement in politics.
“My generation stands in an incredible position of power,” Kelly told the outlet at the time. “In today’s polarized political climate, it is our job to step up to the plate and work to ensure the government we receive is a good one.”
Kelly later earned degrees from Auburn University and George Washington University before joining Trump’s political communications team.
Her name had surfaced publicly in recent weeks amid speculation over who might temporarily handle press duties during Leavitt’s maternity leave, though the administration later shifted toward cabinet members and Trump himself taking larger roles in public briefings.
Trump aides continue managing messaging and social media
Another closely watched figure during the trip was Natalie Harp, a longtime Trump aide who currently serves as an executive assistant to the president.
Harp has reportedly become one of the most trusted members of Trump’s communications circle, particularly regarding his media consumption and Truth Social activity.
According to author Alex Isenstadt’s book Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power, Harp became known internally as the “human printer” because she regularly carries a wireless printer to provide Trump with articles and printed materials while traveling.
The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Harp helps compile screenshots and online posts supportive of Trump or critical of his opponents for review before material is shared on Truth Social. White House officials told the newspaper that Trump also writes posts on the platform personally.
Harp, who is originally from California, is also a survivor of bone cancer and previously worked in television before joining Trump’s communications operation in 2022.
Meanwhile, communications adviser Margo Martin continued documenting Trump’s movements throughout the China trip through photos and videos shared online.
Martin posted footage from inside Zhongnanhai, the heavily protected Beijing compound associated with Chinese leadership, including clips showing Trump and Xi together during the visit.
The Washington Post previously described Martin as one of the aides most frequently responsible for handling Trump’s online presence and recording behind-the-scenes content using her phone camera.
Trump once referred to Martin as “the most beautiful photographer in the world,” while Leavitt publicly praised Martin’s close working relationship with the president and her ability to share moments from his daily routine with the public.
Martin worked in Trump’s first administration before later relocating to Palm Beach, Florida, following his departure from office in 2021 to continue assisting with communications and social media efforts.
Her online posts from Trump’s Asia trip reportedly generated millions of views across social media platforms, including significant engagement on the @TeamTrump Instagram account.
The trip concluded Friday following talks between Trump and Xi in Beijing, where discussions reportedly included Iran, nuclear weapons concerns, and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump later said both leaders agreed the conflict involving Iran should come to an end and reiterated that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
