Trump aide resigns over accusations of years of domestic abuse

White House staff secretary Rob Porter resigned his position after it was revealed that his ex-wives accused him of years of domestic abuse.

What are the allegations?

Two of Porter's ex-wives said that he would subject them to numerous incidents of emotional and physical abuse. One of the women produced a picture of the alleged abuse, which showed her blackened eye after he attacked her.

"The thing he would do most frequently is he would throw me down on a bed and he would just put his body weight on me and he'd be yelling at me. But as he was yelling, he'd me grinding an elbow or knee into my body to emphasize his anger," his first wife, Colbie Holderness said. She characterized the choking as "just very scary and dehumanizing."

What does Porter say about the allegations?

Porter said that the allegations are false and called the story a "coordinated smear campaign" in a statement released Tuesday.

“These outrageous allegations are simply false. 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."

“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," he concluded.

Support for Porter

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said through a spokesperson that he urged Porter not to resign and encouraged him to get help and return to government.

"When Sen. Hatch spoke to Rob at the White House today, the two discussed his next steps and Sen. Hatch urged Rob to get help so that he could possibly serve the country in some capacity down the road,"

"I encouraged him to keep a stiff upper lip and work out his problems," Hatch told reporters. "And I would prefer him not to resign, just work his way through and do what's right."

White House chief of staff John Kelly also supported Porter despite the accusations.

"Rob Porter is a man of true integrity and honor and I can't say enough good things about him," Kelly said. "I am proud to serve alongside him."

Here's a news video report from CNN about the accusations: