Trump aide to leave after abuse allegations

WaShINGTON: One of President Donald Trump’s top White House aides resigned following allegations of domestic abuse levelled against him by his two ex-wives.

Staff secretary Rob Porter (pic) said in a written statement that allegations that became public this week are “outrageous” and “simply false”.

Porter said photos published of his former spouses – in which one appears to have a black eye – were “given to the media nearly 15 years ago and the reality behind them is nowhere close to what is being described”.

Porter on Wednesday added in a written statement, “I have been transparent and truthful about these vile claims, but I will not further engage publicly with a coordinated smear campaign.”

Porter said he will leave the White House after a transition period.

Porter’s former wives recounted physical, verbal and emotional abuse they say he subjected them to during their marriages.

Porter’s first wife, Colbie Holderness, told the

DailyMail.com that Porter choked and punched her during the five years they were husband and wife.

Porter’s second wife, Jennifer Willoughby, also described for the

DailyMail.com how Porter once dragged her naked and wet from the shower to yell at her.

She filed a protective order against him. Stories published online by the

DailyMail.com included photos of Holderness with a bruised eye socket that she said she suffered after Porter punched her in the face while on vacation in Italy.

Neither Holderness nor Willoughby could be reached for comment on Wednesday. Telephone messages left by The Associated Press were not returned.

Porter, 40, has been credited with working with White House chief of staff John Kelly to control the flow of information to the president.

His influence growing in recent months, Porter was often seen with Trump when the president travelled and as he signed legislation or proclamations. — AP