White House chief of staff John Kelly says he was ‘shocked’ by new domestic violence allegations leveled against Rob Porter as it is claimed Trump staffers had known about the accusations for months.
Porter resigned from his role as White House staff secretary on Wednesday after his first ex-wife Colbie Holderness told DailyMail.com that he choked and punched her during their marriage.
His second wife Jennifer Willoughby revealed on Tuesday that he had once dragged her wet and naked out of the shower and was verbally abusive, calling her a f***ing b***h’ on their honeymoon.
Kelly had earlier fiercely backed Porter but issued a statement late Wednesday expressing his shock.
White House chief of staff John Kelly (left) says he was ‘shocked’ by domestic violence allegations leveled against Rob Porter (right) as it is claimed staffers knew about it for months
‘I was shocked by the new allegations released today against Rob Porter. There is no place for domestic violence in our society,’ Kelly said.
‘I stand by my previous comments of the Rob Porter that I have come to know since becoming Chief of Staff, and believe every individual deserves the right to defend their reputation.
‘I accepted his resignation earlier today, and will ensure a swift and orderly transition.’
Kelly had earlier described him as a man of ‘true integrity and honor’, adding that he couldn’t say enough good things about him.
‘He is a friend, a confidante and a trusted professional. I am proud to serve alongside him,’ he said.
The allegations made by Porter’s two ex-wives had reportedly been known among senior aides to President Trump for several months, multiple sources told CNN.
Porter, described as one of the most important players in Trump’s circle, resigned from his role as White House staff secretary on Wednesday following claims of domestic abuse
Colbie Holderness, Porter’s first wife, (left) claims he repeatedly punched and choked her. His second wife Jennifer Willoughby has also claimed that Porter was abusive in their marriage
Kelly was reportedly one of those top aides to have known about the allegations.
Sources said Trump and his daughter Ivanka both learned of the allegations this week and were said to be upset and deeply disturbed.
The two sets of revelations have stunned the White House and led to a dramatic exit for Porter.
Porter, who is dating White House communications director Hope Hicks, denied the claims made by the two women but still resigned.
‘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 statement Wednesday.
‘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.’
Porter is dating White House Communications Director Hope Hicks, 29. The two were seen leaving her D.C. apartment 10 days ago
Porter’s first wife, Holderness, 37, who is a senior analyst for the U.S. government, spoke on the record to DailyMail.com about their five-year marriage, detailing physical and mental abuse.
She said he broke down her confidence so badly with his verbal and emotional abuse that she took an extended leave of absence from grad school.
Holderness said she was interviewed by the FBI – as was his second wife Willoughby – about their marriage after Porter was tapped for his current White House position as staff secretary. She shared the photos of her injuries with the FBI.
Porter required a security clearance – which he has not received.
‘I was his first wife and it wasn’t until there was a second wife and then a long-time girlfriend reaching out to me, who was experiencing some weird things. I started to realize that he keeps getting away with it. It’s a pattern now, it hasn’t gone away,’ Holderness said.
In 2010, Jennifer Willoughby – Porter’s second ex-wife – filed a protective order against him after he violated their separation agreement and refused to leave their apartment.
According to a complaint filed with the police, he punched the glass on the door to their home, cutting his hand in the process.
Last week, DailyMail.com revealed that Porter, who is Mormon, and White House Director of Communications Hope Hicks are dating, and were seen kissing in a cab on the way back to her apartment from a bar.