President Donald Trump disclosed cash gifts totaling $45,000 given to White House aides Margo Martin and Chamberlain Harris, both serving as Special Assistants to the President, according to financial disclosures reported by The Washington Post. The gifts were categorized as 'Cash Gift for Holidays' and were given in addition to their taxpayer-funded salaries of $150,000. Walt Nauta, the director of Oval Office operations, also reported receiving a $20,000 gift from Trump.
Martin is known for her social media presence, often posting videos of Trump’s engagements. She began working for Trump in 2019 and has held various roles, including deputy director of communications for Trump's Save America PAC. Harris, who has been a longtime assistant to Trump, was appointed to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts in February.
The White House addressed concerns regarding the ethics of these cash gifts, stating that Trump has a practice of giving Christmas gifts to individuals in his circle, including employees and aides, and that the gifts do not relate to their official duties. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle emphasized that the gifts are permissible under legal and ethical standards.