The Intercept: Former Wives of Top White House Aide Rob Porter Both Told FBI He Abused Them
“As the FBI conducted a background check on an incoming senior White House official last year, the bureau learned of the man’s history of domestic abuse. Rob Porter, a top aide to President Donald Trump, physically assaulted both of his previous wives, according to the two women,” Ryan Grim and Alleen Brown report for The Intercept.
Another Donald Trump aide is out, this time over grave domestic abuse allegations. Rob Porter, who served as White House staff secretary, has resigned after two of his ex-wives were revealed to have charged him physically abusing them over a number of year. Though somewhat behind-the-scenes, the staff secretary is a high-ranking position with top security clearance and control over the paperwork seen by the president. White House Chief of Staff John Kelly is said to have relied heavily on Porter, who previously served as Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch’s top aide. Porter has vigorously rejected the claims of his ex-wives, who spoke with FBI investigators. When the allegations surfaced publicly, Kelly rushed to defend Porter. “He is a friend, a confidante and a trusted professional. I am proud to serve alongside him,” Kelly said on Tuesday, before the resignation. In any other White House, this disclosure would be stunning.
