Even After The Reports, The White House Defended Porter

Despite reportedly knowing about the allegations previously, the White House chose to back Porter after the first allegations came out. “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.”

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told reporters that Porter’s decision was a personal one, made independently of other White House officials. She read Porter's full statement following her own.v



Porter Is Reportedly Dating Hope Hicks Who May Have Played A Part In The White House's Defense Of Porter

It has now been reported by multiple outlets that Porter and Hicks are dating. That was until Porter’s first wife, Colbie Holderness, 37, came forward with pictures to support the physical and emotional abuse allegations against her former husband that the Porter resigned from his position. Willoughby, Porter's second wife, told The Mail that he "dragged me by my shoulders out fo the shower to yell," called her a "fucking bitch" on their honeymoon in 2009, and mentally abused her:

"Over the course of the years of our marriage, I can think of several times where I was collapsing on the ground in tears and saying, 'just leave me alone, just stop' because the anger and the insults were too much. 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

“These outrageous allegations are simply false,” Porter said in a statement. “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,” Porter added. “I have been transparent and truthful about these vile claims, but I will not further engage publicly with a coordinated smear campaign.”

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Mr. Porter “has been effective in his role as staff secretary,” and the president had confidence in his job performance. Mr. Porter said he took the photos of his first wife nearly 15 years ago, “and the reality behind them is nowhere close to what is being described.”

“My commitment to public service speaks for itself,” he said. 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.”

Holderness’ accusation followed a similar claim made by Porter’s second wife, Jennifer Willoughby, on Tuesday.
Rob Porter resigns as White House Staff Secretary after two of his ex-wives make allegations of physical and emotional abuse. Porter denies the allegations, which were first published by the Daily Mail.