John Kelly Could Resign as White House Chief of Staff In Wake of Allegations Against Rob Porter

By Prachi Gupta  |  February 9, 2018 | 11:21pm
Politics

The White House Chief of Staff position, like so many jobs within the Trump administration, appears to be one that no man can hold for long. A little more than just six months after he replaced Reince Priebus, retired four-star marine general John Kelly is reportedly willing to resign over his handling of the domestic violence allegations against staff secretary Rob Porter, according to the New York Times.

Porter resigned earlier this week after reports that his ex-wives alleged both emotional and physical abuse, which they had previously disclosed to the FBI during Porter’s background check. This track record did not apparently bother the White House until photos of ex-wife Colbie Holderness’s black eye became public this week.

“Rob Porter is a man of true integrity and honor, and I can’t say enough good things about him,” Kelly said at the time the allegations surfaced. “He is a friend, a confidant and a trusted professional.” Though sources say that Kelly had known about the allegations for months, after public outcry he later said, “I was shocked by the new allegations released today against Rob Porter,” and added, “There is no place for domestic violence in our society.”

Trump was reportedly pissed at Kelly and blamed him for not informing him about Porter. But Trump, an endlessly empathetic man who is able to see the good side of neo-Nazis and an alleged pedophile, failed GOP senate candidate Roy Moore, seemed sorry to see Porter go. “He did a very good job when he was in the White House, and we hope he has a wonderful career, and he will have a great career ahead of him,” he said. “But it was very sad when we heard about it, and certainly he’s also very sad now.”

“He also, as you probably know, says he is innocent, and I think you have to remember that,” Trump emphasized.

The White House denied the report with spokesperson Hogan Gidley telling CNN that Kelly “has not offered to resign.”

 
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