The White House staff secretary, Rob Porter is resigning after accusations from his ex-wives for physical and emotional abuse during their marriages.
The two ex-wives, Colbie Holderness and Jennifer Willoughby, said in an interview with The Daily Mail that Porter regularly abused them in their marriages.
The Daily Mail also published a 2010 protective order that was obtained by his second wife. Several photos also appeared online that show his first wife’s bruised and battered face as a result of Porter punching her.
“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,” Porter said in a statement while announcing his departure.
“My commitment to public service speaks for itself. I have always put duty to country first and treated others with respect. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served in the Trump administration and will seek to ensure a smooth transition when I leave the White House,” Porter concluded his final official statement from the White House.
According to The Hill, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Porter’s exit would not be “immediate” so he could help usher in a replacement. She said Porter “was not pressured” to resign and that he made the decision to leave on his own.
Both Kelly and Sanders published statements of support for Porter after the initial reports were published Tuesday night. The chief of staff called him “a man of true integrity and honor.”
“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 Wednesday.
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