Natalie Harp, a close aide to President Donald Trump, reportedly showed him a series of media clips before he moved to ban CNN, MSNOW, and Politico from the White House, CNN reported, citing "people familiar with the matter."

Trump's move prompted a lawsuit from the networks and condemnation from other outlets. He has denied any attempt to curb the free press, but said he was cracking down on "fake news."

CNN contended that one of the clips Harp showed Trump had enraged him, and prompted the sweeping White House ban.

Harp, for her part, has been in the news recently, with the media focusing on her intense loyalty to the president. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., kicked off speculation about their relationship when he mentioned her in a campaign speech.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.