Rob Porter: White House staff secretary resigns amid allegations of abuse from ex-wives

A senior member of Donald Trump's White House has resigned amid allegations of abuse from his two ex-wives.

Rob Porter, the White House staff secretary, left following media reports of domestic violence.

Mr Porter, in a statement, has strongly denied the allegations, that were first reported in the Daily Mail.

The ex-wives have said that he physically and emotionally abused them.

His first wife, Colbie Holderness, accused Mr Porter of punching her during a trip to Florence in the early 2000s, and of choking her at other times during their marriage.

His second wife, Jennifer Willoughby, told the website that Mr Porter had lobbed expletives at her during their honeymoon.

A photo of Ms Holderness, allegedly taken after the incident in the Florence hotel room, shows her with a bruised eye.

In a statement, Mr Porter, who is reportedly dating Mr Trump's communications director, Hope Hicks, called the allegations “outrageous” and “simply false”. He says the photos were taken nearly 15 years ago, and that the “reality behind them is nowhere close to what is being described”.

He continued to claim that he has been transparent and truthful, but that he has decided to leave the White House after a transition period following the allegations.

“These outrageous allegations are simply false,” the statement reads. “I took the photos given to the media nearly 15 years ago and the reality behind them is nowhere close to what is being described. I have been transparent and truthful about these vile claims, but I will not further engage publicly with a coordinated smear campaign,” he said.

“My commitment to public service speaks for itself,” the statement continues. “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.”

The resignation was confirmed by White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who said that he will be leaving in the near future. Mr Porter will stay as long as needed to ensure a smooth transition, she said, and indicated that President Donald Trump and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly “have full confidence in his abilities and performance”.

“I can’t say enough good things about him,” Mr Kelly said in a statement. “He is a friend, a confidante, and a trusted professional. I am proud to serve alongside him.”

Ms Sanders later released another statement on the matter.

"Consistent with the practice of past administrations, issues related to an individual's suitability are reviewed through a thorough and lengthy background check process. Background checks involve a complex investigation run by intelligence and law enforcement agencies," Ms Sanders said in the statement delivered to reporters. "As has always been our policy, we do not comment on security clearances. Rob Porter has been effective in his role as Staff Secretary. The President and Chief of Staff have full confidence in his abilities and his performance."