Trump Reportedly Wants Former Aide Accused of Domestic Violence to Get His Job Back

The two have reportedly kept in touch.

Rob Porter
Getty

UNITED STATES - FEBRUARY 01: Rob Porter, right, White House staff secretary, and Don McGahn, White House counsel, attend a luncheon featuring a speech by President Donald Trump at the House and Senate Republican retreat at The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., on February 1, 2018. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Rob Porter

Donald Trump has reportedly been keeping contact with Rob Porter, a former White House aide who stepped down amid accusations of domestic violence. A report published by The New York Times on Monday cites three sources privy to the situation as saying Trump wishes Porter still worked in the White House. 

Though they couldn't confirm just how often Trump and Porter speak, these sources did say that the calls between them have become more frequent since a handful of White House employees have either resigned or been terminated from their posts at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

On February 6, 2018, The Daily Mail published a story on Jennifer Willoughby, one of Porter’s ex-wives, detailing her alleged abusive relationship with him. She claims that she had walked away to take a shower during an argument when she was physically assaulted. "He was not done fighting with me," she said. "It was a glass shower door, he opened it and dragged me by my shoulders out of the shower to yell."

Another ex wife, Colbie Holderness, told The Intercept that Porter threw her down on a bed and punched her in the face during an argument. The story included a photo of her with a blackened eye.

"I found out about it very recently, and I was surprised by it," Trump said of the allegations against Porter. "But we certainly wish him well, obviously a tough time for him. He did a very good job when he was in the White House and we hope he has a wonderful, hopefully, he has a great career ahead of him."

Porter has denied the allegations, and the White House wished him well following his resignation. The White House's handling of Porter sparked scrutiny over background checks for White House staffers and interim security clearances.

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