White House aide resigns, denies domestic abuse claims

WASHINGTON—White House staff secretary Rob Porter has resigned amid domestic abuse accusations, the Trump administration confirmed on Wednesday. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters Porter’s decision to resign was a personal one and that the White House still has full confidence in his performance. In a report published Tuesday, Porter’s two ex-wives, Jennifer Willoughby and Colbie Holderness, told the Daily Mail that Porter physically and verbally abused them. Porter denied the domestic abuse claims but decided to resign anyway. “These outrageous allegations are simply false,” he said in his statement. “I have been transparent and truthful about these vile claims, but I will not further engage publicly with a coordinated smear campaign.” Porter’s last day at the White House has not been set—Sanders said White House staff would work with him to ensure a smooth transition. Before joining the Trump administration last year, Porter worked for several members of Congress, including Republican Sens. Rob Portman of Ohio and Orrin Hatch of Utah. Porter is a Harvard Law School graduate and a Rhodes scholar. White House chief of staff John Kelly expanded Porter’s role after Kelly replaced Reince Priebus last summer.