Former White House staff secretary Rob Porter, who resigned from his post in February amid allegations he abused both his ex-wives, has kept in contact with President Trump, who has talked about bringing him back to the White House.
In recent weeks since Porter’s departure, phone calls between Trump and Porter have increased, sources told the New York Times. Although it’s uncertain how often they have talked since Porter left, a person familiar with the conversations said the two have discussed trade and how to handle tariff exemptions.
Trump has also told aides he knows it’s likely he cannot bring back Porter to the White House, but has expressed he misses the staff structure Porter assisted cultivating.
The Daily Mail published a report last month claiming Porter called his second wife a “fucking bitch” while they were on their honeymoon and grabbed her naked out the shower on one occasion. The report also featured a protective order that she obtained in 2010.
Porter’s first wife, Colbie Holderness, then told the Daily Mail in a separate report that the former White House aide had punched her face, choked her, and other abuses. The second report featured a photo of the first wife with a black eye.
Porter has denied the credibility of the abuse allegations.
