White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement Wednesday in support of newly-resigned presidential aide Rob Porter who left his post amid allegations that he physically assaulted two of his ex-wives.
"Rob Porter has been effective in his role as Staff Secretary," the statement read. "The President and Chief of Staff [John Kelly]have full confidence in his abilities and his performance."
Sanders' statement was released after Vanity Fair reported that Kelly went to bat for Porter in spite of the assault allegations against him.
"It’s beyond disbelief,” a former White House official told Vanity Fair. “Everyone is trying to figure out why Kelly is leading the charge to save him."
The chief of staff also issued a statement of his own in defense of the disgraced aide, calling him a "a man of true integrity and honor” and a “trusted professional."
"How many times has Kelly put out a statement defending Trump?" a Republican interviewed by Vanity Fair mused.
