Kelly Says He’s Willing to Resign as Abuse Scandal Roils White House
WASHINGTON — John F. Kelly, the White House chief of staff, told officials in the West Wing on Friday
that he was willing to step down over his handling of allegations of spousal abuse against Rob Porter, the staff secretary who resigned in disgrace this week over the accusations, according to two officials aware of the discussions.
Shortly after Mr. Trump’s inauguration, Mr. McGahn, the White House counsel, first learned from Mr. Porter himself
that there could be allegations against him, according to two people briefed on the situation.
But on Wednesday afternoon, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, and other aides had maintained to reporters
that the White House fully backed Mr. Porter, who they said was leaving of his own accord.
Senior White House officials, including Mr. Kelly, Joe Hagin, the deputy chief of staff, and Mr. McGahn received word from the bureau
that the allegations were credible and that Mr. Porter was not likely to pass his background check.
On Friday, several White House aides described confusion among the staff about why Mr. Kelly
and others had initially rallied to defend Mr. Porter, and some suggested that Mr. Kelly had tried to cover up what he knew.
President Trump on Friday praised Rob Porter, the White House staff secretary who resigned on Wednesday amid spousal abuse allegations.
