One of President Donald Trump's top White House aides resigned on Wednesday following allegations of domestic abuse leveled against him by his two ex-wives.
Staff secretary Rob Porter said in a written statement that allegations that became public this week are "outrageous" and "simply false." Mr Porter said photos published of his former spouses — in which one appears to have a black eye — were "given to the media nearly 15 years ago and the reality behind them is nowhere close to what is being described."
Mr Porter added in a written statement: "I have been transparent and truthful about these vile claims, but I will not further engage publicly with a coordinated smear campaign." Mr Porter said he will leave the White House after a transition period.
Mr Porter's former wives recounted physical, verbal and emotional abuse they say he subjected them to during their marriages.
His first wife, Colbie Holderness, told the DailyMail.com that Mr Porter choked and punched her during the five years they were husband and wife.
Mr Porter's second wife, Jennifer Willoughby, described how her then husband once dragged her from the shower to yell at her. She filed a protective order against him. Stories published online by the DailyMail.com included photos of Ms Holderness with a bruised eye socket that she said she suffered after Mr Porter punched her in the face while on vacation in Italy.
Mr Porter, 40, has been credited with working with White House chief of staff John Kelly to control the flow of information to the president.
His influence growing in recent months, Mr Porter was often seen with Mr Trump when the president traveled and as he signed legislation or proclamations. He helped craft Mr Trump's well-received State of the Union address and was credited internally for helping bridge divides in a White House riven by rivalries and for helping more effectively roll out new policy.
The DailyMail.com published a statement from Mr Kelly referring to Mr Porter as a "man of true integrity and honor," adding, "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," Mr Kelly added.
Mr Porter, well-liked throughout the White House, lost internal support once the photos came out. But even then, Mr Kelly was urging him to stay, according to a White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Late on Wednesday, Mr Kelly released a statement claiming "new allegations" had swayed him.
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"I was shocked by the new allegations released today against Rob Porter. There is no place for domestic violence in our society," Mr Kelly said. "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." It's unclear what new allegations Kelly was referring to.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said she had not discussed the allegations against Mr Porter with Mr Trump. She said Mr Porter was not pressured to resign.
"Rob Porter has been effective in his role as staff secretary," Ms Sanders said. "The president and chief of staff have full confidence in his abilities and his performance."
Before joining the administration, Mr Porter, a Harvard Law School graduate, spent nearly three years as chief of staff to longtime Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch. Mr Porter also worked for Republican Sens. Rob Portman of Ohio and Mike Lee of Utah.
Sen. Hatch released a statement that said he was "heartbroken" over the allegations and denounced domestic violence.
"In every interaction I've had with Rob, he has been courteous, professional, and respectful. My staff loved him and he was a trusted advisor," Sen. Hatch said. "I do not know the details of Rob's personal life. Domestic violence in any form is abhorrent and unacceptable."
Mr Porter, who joined the administration at its start in January 2017, said in his statement: "My commitment to public service speaks for itself. I have always put duty to country first and treated others with respect. 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."