WASHINGTON (DC)
CBS News
February 7, 2018
Top White House aide Rob Porter is resigning, after abuse allegations from his two ex-wives were made public. The White House was made aware of the allegations in November and allowed him to work without a full security clearance, CBS News’ chief White House correspondent Major Garrett reports.
White House communications director Hope Hicks, who is dating Porter, helped craft his public statement, Garrett confirmed.
“My commitment to public service speaks for itself,” Porter, who has denied the allegations, told reporters in a statement. “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.”
A federal law enforcement source confirmed to CBS News’ Jeff Pegues that the FBI conducted a background check on Porter and knew of the allegations levied against him by his two-ex wives. That information was passed on to the White House. The White House staff secretary — who has access to and reviews presidential correspondence — never received full security clearance, and the allegations were the main reason why, two sources tell Garrett.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders, who refused to comment on Porter’s security clearance status to Garrett from the briefing room podium Wednesday, said Porter would not be leaving immediately to ensure a smooth transition. Sanders claimed she has not asked the president’s opinion of the allegations against his staff secretary. Porter, according to White House salary disclosures, earns the highest salary level in the White House — $179,700. Porter is dating White House communications director Hope Hicks, CBS News has confirmed.
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