WHITE HOUSE OFFICIAL RESIGNS AFTER ABUSE ALLEGATIONS
WASHINGTON» One of President Donald Trump’s top White House aides resigned Wednesday after allegations of domestic abuse were leveled against him by his two exwives.
Staff secretary Rob Porter said photos published of his former 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. “I have been transparent and truthful about these vile claims, but I will not further engage publicly with a coordinated smear campaign.”
“My commitment to public service speaks for itself. I have always put duty to country first and treated others with respect,” added Porter, who joined the administration at its start in January 2017. “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’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 information to the president. Porter was often with Trump when the president traveled and as he signed legislation or proclamations. — Tribune News Service