Day 387: Trump Defends Two Staffers Ousted Over Assault Allegations
Donald Trump waved goodbye to two more White House staffers this week as Rob Porter and David Sorensen were forced to resign. The former, the White House Staff Secretary, and the latter, a speechwriter, were ousted over claims by their ex-wives — in Porter’s case, by both of his exes — that the men were abusive.
Sorensen’s wife claimed that he ran over her foot with a car, pushed her into a wall, aggressively grabbed her by the hair while they were alone on a boat at sea, and put out a cigarette on her hand.
The Daily Mail published accounts from both of Porter’s exes, including photos of one of them, Jennifer Willoughby, with a large black eye.
Porter’s first wife Colbie Holderness confirmed to DailyMail.com: ‘He was verbally, emotionally and physically abusive and that is why I left.’
Chief of Staff John Kelly initially defended Porter, saying, “Rob Porter is a man of true integrity and honor, and I can’t say enough good things about him. He is a friend, a confidante and a trusted professional. I am proud to serve alongside him.”
Kelly claimed he had no idea about the abuse, but that claim was undercut by the knowledge that the FBI refused to give Porter full security clearance, apparently due to the abuse. Kelly obviously knew that. He had so much egg on his face that he has apparently told Trump that he is willing to resign.
Trump himself, meanwhile, hemmed and hawed about Porter’s resignation on Friday, saying, “[Porter] says he’s innocent, and I think you have to remember that. He said very strongly yesterday that he’s innocent, so you’ll have to talk to him about that.”
By Saturday morning “talk to him” pivoted to a full-throated defense.
Trump has had over a dozen women accuse him of infractions ranging from sexual misconduct to sexual assault. The latter charge was alleged by a number of women, including his first ex-wife, Ivana. Trump claims they’re all lying.
Trump’s defense of his staffers falls in line with his previous defense of Roy Moore, the Alabama Republican Senate nominee, who allegedly sexually assaulted minors. He defended Roger Ailes and Bill O’Reilly, both of Fox News, despite the numerous allegations of — and payouts for — sexual harassment. The accusers, per Trump: liars.
Steve Bannon was accused of beating his ex-wife. Labor Secretary nominee Andy Puzder was too. Bannon was ousted for unrelated reasons and Puzder had his nomination pulled, but currently works in the White House in a position that doesn’t require a confirmation vote by the Senate. Apparently Trump thought their exes were liars too.
Trump’s behavior exhibits a nasty pattern: no matter how credible the allegations, no matter the evidence, Trump will blindly defend those around him while condemning the women as liars.
387 days in, 1075 to go
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