It’s coming … from inside the White House:
Senior White House aide Rob Porter has resigned after accusations of abuse from ex-wives. Story momentarily.
— Josh Dawsey (@jdawsey1) February 7, 2018
https://twitter.com/jonathanvswan/status/961306722261487616
Both Rob Porter’s first wife Colbie Holderness and second wife Jennifer Willoughby have alleged that he was physically and verbally abusive. Axios has a summary of the accusations against him.
Here’s Porter’s statement, via Axios:
“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. 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. 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.”
Senior officials were trying to convince staff secretary Rob Porter, whose two ex-wives came forward with abuse allegations, “to stay and fight.” Those officials included Chief of Staff John Kelly, Axios reports.https://t.co/WczQNQHVAd
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) February 7, 2018
At this afternoon’s press briefing, Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that Porter will not be leaving the White House immediately.
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Update:
https://twitter.com/nataliewsj/status/961311173584080897
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Update:
“a senior administration official said Kelly was previously aware of the 2010 protective order, which prevented Porter from getting a full security clearance” https://t.co/xiK34f1q7c
— Alex Burns (@alexburnsNYT) February 7, 2018
Editor’s note: A tweet has been removed from this post for use in a separate post.
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Update:
https://twitter.com/dmartosko/status/961342738376601600
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Update:
Uhhh …
HATCH says he spoke to Rob Porter at the WH today: “I told him he shouldn’t (resign)…he should fight his way through this, and he’s got a lot to give to the administration and to all of us.”
Porter’s Response? “He didn’t give me a final decision, but I hope that he will stay”
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) February 7, 2018
HATCH on Rob Porter: “I know Rob, he’s a very fine fellow and very good man, and it’s been a tremendous embarrassment to him. But he’s going to hang in there I think.”
— Frank Thorp V (@frankthorp) February 7, 2018
Geez.
— Allahpundit (@allahpundit) February 7, 2018
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Update:
Senior White House aide Rob Porter physically assaulted two ex-wives, they tell @theintercept. Full story to come in the morning.
His first wife, Colbie Holderness, provided these photos from a vacation they took together in Florence, Italy: pic.twitter.com/tl3TbyGA8Y
— Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) February 7, 2018
A police report. A protective order. Photos of a bruised eye. Three women accusers, including two ex-wives, one of whom still praises his professional prowess (while alleging abuse). The WH either didn’t know (bad) or didn’t care (worse). Appalling. https://t.co/wE7QqNTp2n https://t.co/e4IzaDz7zV
— Guy Benson (@guypbenson) February 7, 2018