White House speech writer quits after abuse claim

WASHINGTON — A second White House staffer has departed the Trump administration in the wake of abuse allegations.

Spokesman Raj Shah confirmed that speech writer David Sorensen resigned Friday after the White House learned of the allegations against him.

Shah said Sorensen denies the allegations, which were first reported by the Washington Post.

The Post says Sorensen’s ex-wife claimed he was violent and emotionally abusive during their short-lived marriage.

Staff secretary Rob Porter, one of the president’s closest aides, resigned Wednesday after the publication of allegations that he had abused his two former wives. He, too, denies the allegations.

President Donald Trump on Friday defended Porter, wishing him well in his future endeavours without any mention of the two ex-wives.

Trump’s comments came amid rampant White House finger-pointing about who knew what, and when, about the severity of the spousal abuse allegations.

Trump said Porter, who resigned when the abuse allegations became public this week, had “worked hard” at the White House and wished him well.

“It’s a, obviously, tough time for him. He did a very good job when he was in the White House. And we hope he has a wonderful career,” Trump said.