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WH Discussed Promoting Rob Porter Months After Receiving FBI’s Report on Alleged Domestic Violence

HeadlineFeb 14, 2018

The White House is embroiled in even more controversy over former Staff Secretary Rob Porter, after FBI Director Christopher Wray testified to the Senate that the FBI had told the White House about the physical and verbal abuse allegations that were holding up Porter’s background check months earlier than the White House has admitted.

Christopher Wray: “The FBI submitted a partial report on the investigation in question in March and then a completed background investigation in late July, that, soon thereafter, we received requests for a follow-up inquiry, and we did the follow-up and provided that information in November, and that we administratively closed the file in January.”

Porter resigned after both of his ex-wives accused him of verbal and physical abuse, and photos were released showing Porter’s first wife, Colbie Holderness, with a black eye, which she said she suffered after he punched her in the face. The FBI director’s testimony Tuesday further exposes how Trump administration officials allowed Porter to continue working in the White House despite the serious accusations of domestic violence. In fact, CNN reports White House officials were considering promoting Porter to deputy chief of staff before the photos were released. President Trump has repeatedly defended Porter, emphasizing that Porter claims he’s innocent. Trump himself has been accused of sexual harassment or assault by at least 16 women.

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