John Kelly, the White House chief of staff, said in a statement that he was “shocked” by the domestic abuse allegations made against staff secretary Rob Porter who announced Wednesday that he will resign his position.
“I was shocked by the new allegations released today against Rob Porter. There is no place for domestic violence in our society,” Kelly said in the statement.
“I stand by my previous comments of the Rob Porter that I have come to know since becoming Chief of Staff, and believe every individual deserves the right to defend their reputation,” he continued. “I accepted his resignation earlier today, and will ensure a swift and orderly transition.”
Porter was accused of abusing his two ex-wives, Colbie Holderness and Jennifer Willoughby, both physically and emotionally. Holderness even provided photos of injuries including a black eye.
After the initial reports of the abuse allegations surfaced Tuesday night, Kelly and White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders both issued statements supporting Porter. Kelly even called him “a man of true integrity and honor.”
When Porter and the White House announced his resignation on Wednesday, he denied the allegations.
“These outrageous allegations are simply false. I took the photos given to the media nearly 15 years ago and the reality behind them is nowhere close to what is being described. I have been transparent and truthful about these vile claims, but I will not further engage publicly with a coordinated smear campaign,” he said in a statement.
According to The Hill, Sanders told reporters that Porter’s exit would not be “immediate” so he could assist with his replacement transition.
“Rob has been effective in his role as staff secretary, and the president and chief of staff have had full confidence and trust in his abilities and his performance,” Sanders said.
As reported by CBS News on Wednesday, Porter never managed to obtain a full security clearance due to the allegations against him, which several people in the White House were aware of, even before it was reported by the media.
“As has always been our policy, we do not comment on security clearances,” Sanders stated.
Be the first to comment