Second White House aide resigns over domestic abuse allegations
What's the story
After Rob Porter, David Sorensen has become the second White House aide to step down this week amid allegations of domestic abuse. Sorensen's resignation came after his ex-wife, Jessica Corbett, accused him of being violent and emotionally abusive. Trump, however, hasn't been critical of Porter. Meanwhile, Chief of Staff John Kelly is facing pressure about his handling of the Porter case. Here's more.
Allegations
Corbett and Sorensen accuse each other of violence
Corbett alleged that Sorensen had ran over her foot with his car, extinguished a cigarette on her hand, and threatened her life. Corbett said that she had informed the FBI about the abuse last fall. However, Sorensen alleged that Corbett punched him multiple times, and tried grabbing control of the steering wheel while he was driving on the highway. Both provided photos of bruises.
Rob Porter
Meanwhile, both of Porter's ex-wives claim they were physically abused
Meanwhile, Rob Porter stepped down on Wednesday after two of his ex-wives accused him of domestic abuse. Porter's first wife, Colbie Holderness alleged that he had choked and punched her through their five years of marriage. Jennifer Willoughby, Porter's second wife, alleged that Porter had once dragged her naked from the shower to yell at her. Porter denied all allegations, calling them "outrageous".
John Kelly
Chief of Staff John Kelly vouches for Porter's character
Initially reacting to the allegations against Porter, Chief of Staff John Kelly had defended Porter by calling him a "man of true integrity and honor". However, after Porter's ex-wives released photos, one showing a black eye, Kelly said that he was "shocked". Kelly said that there's "no place for domestic violence in society", but said that he would stand by his previous comments.
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Inaction on Chief of Staff's part?
According to CBS News, Porter approached Don McGahn, the White House Counsel, in January 2017 saying that his ex-wives might say unflattering things about him. In November 2017, after hearing allegations, McGahn reportedly vaguely informed John Kelly about the issue, thus raising questions of inaction.
Trump
Trump is reportedly "f**king pissed" over the incident
After Porter's resignation on Wednesday, Trump on Friday said that he was "surprised" but that he "wish[ed] him well". However, Trump was reportedly not aware of the severity of the allegations against Porter until Thursday when Ivanka Trump showed him the photo of Porter's ex-wife with a black eye. A Republican briefed on the conversation said that Trump was "f**king pissed".
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Donald Trump's misogynist streak
Trump had been in the news during the presidential election campaign for his misogynist comments like his alleged ability to "grab [women] by the pussy" owing to his celebrity status. In addition, at least 19 women have accused Donald Trump of sexual harassment or assault.