White House staff secretary Rob Porter is the most recent in the steadily expanding number of Trump administration members to resign amid public scrutiny or scandal.
Earlier this week, British tabloid the Daily Mail brought public attention to a blog post written by Porter’s second ex-wife, in which Porter’s apparent history of domestic abuse was detailed. Following the Daily Mail’s exposé, Porter’s first ex-wife also came forward with allegations of abuse.
Porter was a somewhat low-profile member of the Trump team, but his power should not be downplayed. He has been characterized by outlets such as The Intercept as “part of a two-man team, alongside Chief of Staff John Kelly, who decides what makes it to Trump’s desk.”
Though Porter initially tried to dismiss the accusations, he has apparently decided to step down from his post amid the controversy.
Porter’s first wife, Colbie Holderness, recounted her abuse experience in an interview with The Intercept.
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