Trump defends disgraced former aide

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump on Friday defended former aide Rob Porter, wishing him well in his future endeavors without any mention of the two ex-wives who have accused Porter of physical and emotional abuse.

Trump’s comments set off a firestorm at a time of national conversation about the mistreatment of women. And they came amid rampant White House fingerpointing 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 in his first comments on the allegations against the onetime rising West Wing star.

“He said very strongly yesterday that he’s innocent,’’ Trump added.

He gave no nod to the treatment of the women whose reports of abuse led to Porter’s resignation, but which he vehemently denies.

Trump’s comments drew immediate condemnation from women’s groups and Democrats.

They came amid swirling questions about how White House chief of staff John Kelly had handled the matter and whether he could maintain his job despite Trump’s growing frustration. They also raised questions about how seriously the president takes allegations of domestic abuse.

Also Friday, a second White House staffer, speechwriter David Sorensen, resigned as a result of abuse allegations.