White House aide quits after abuse allegations from 2 ex-wives

WASHINGTON — One of President Donald Trump’s top aides resigned Wednesday following allegations of domestic abuse leveled against him by his two ex-wives.

Staff secretary Rob Porter said in a written statement that allegations that became public this week are “outrageous” and “simply false.” Porter said photos published of his for- mer spouses were taken nearly 15 years ago and do not tell the complete story. He said he will leave the White House after a transition period.

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

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

Porter, 40, has been credited with working with chief of staff John Kelly to control the flow of informa- tion to the president.

He helped craft Trump’s State of the Union address and was credited internally for helping bridge divides in a White House riven by rivalries and for helping more effectively roll out new policy.

The DailyMail.com published a statement from Kelly referring to Porter as a “man of true integrity and honor.”

Porter, well- l i ked throughout the White House, lost internal support once the photos came out. But even then, Kelly was urging him to stay, according to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity to convey internal discussions.

Porter’s first wife, Colbie Holderness, told the DailyMail. com t hat Porter choked and punched her during the five years they were married.

Porter’s second wife, Jennifer Willoughby, told the DailyMail.com that Porter once dragged her naked 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 Wednesday.

The Daily Mail also reported that Porter is dating White House communications director Hope Hicks, a close aide to Trump.