Well, the news is not getting any better for the White House today.
In the aftermath of today’s revelation that the FBI informed the White House months ago that there were serious domestic abuse reports regarding former staff secretary Rob Porter, now comes word that he was in the process of being considered for a promotion even in light of his ex-wives’ testimony of physical abuse.
From CNN:
His anticipated elevation further highlights how top White House officials were willing to overlook indications from the FBI that there were potential abuse allegations in his background in exchange for professional competence in a tumultuous West Wing.
Porter had been actively lobbying to take on new policy portfolios outside the traditional scope of the staff secretary, one person familiar with the matter said, which included speechwriting duties and a role in planning policy rollouts. Neither of those tasks is traditionally carried out by the staff secretary.
One of the areas Porter was set to delve further into was trade policy, according to the person. Porter was a regular attendee at a weekly trade meeting among top-level administration officials.He was also being considered for the deputy chief of staff position, another source familiar with the situation said. CNN reported Friday that Jim Carroll, who served as the deputy chief of staff for less than three months, was stepping down to helm the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
So, we know Chief of Staff John Kelly knew of the abuse allegations in January. But even so, Kelly would have promoted Porter if the press hadn’t reported on his ex-wives’ reports of abuse???
You can watch the video report on CNN here.
CNN: Rob Porter was in talks to be promoted when abuse allegations against him surfaced.TRANSLATION: When Trump is “elected” despite being accused of assaulting 19+ women and conspiring with Russia overlooking domestic violence is just “par for the course” for this White House.
— Ryan Knight, PROUD RESISTER 👊 (@ProudResister) February 13, 2018
Not surprised Jared Kushner pushed for Rob Porter to be elevated, since Kushner also has massive security clearance issues.But a 4 star Marine should know better. Under Kelly’s watch, the White House has made a mockery of the security clearance process. Kelly needs to resign. https://t.co/7xMThXqbjv
— Ted Lieu (@tedlieu) February 13, 2018
WH right now acting as if it has had one coherent message and plan following revelations of Rob Porter’s two ex-wives accusing him domestic abuse. That’s just demonstrably false. Initial responses were to support Porter full throatedly.— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) February 12, 2018
