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Rob Porter's Ex-Wife About Trump's Statements On Alleged Abuse: 'Can’t Say I Was Surprised'
Jennie Willoughby: "My friend turned to me and said, ‘The president of the United States just called you a liar.'"
Former White House staff secretary Rob Porter has been accused of domestic abuse by two of his ex-wives, who have both provided corrobarting and credible evidence against him. The accusations have provoked scrutiny into the extent to which members of the Trump administration were aware of Porter's allegedly abusive behavior. Meanwhile, Trump quickly praised Porter's work upon the announcement of the accused's resignation, noting that Porter has continued to deny the allegations. Now, Jennie Willoughby (one of the accusers) has responded to Trump's statements.
"[Porter] did a very good job when he was in the White House, and we hope he has a wonderful career, and he will have a great career ahead of him," Trump had said in a conference. "But it was very sad when we heard about it, and certainly he’s also very sad now ... He also, as you probably know, says he is innocent, and I think you have to remember that."
Trump followed up his statements with yet another controversial tweet:
"Peoples lives are being shattered and destroyed by a mere allegation. Some are true and some are false. Some are old and some are new. There is no recovery for someone falsely accused - life and career are gone. Is there no such thing any longer as Due Process?" The President wrote.
“I can’t say I was surprised. But when Donald Trump repeated twice that Rob declared his innocence, I was floored,” Willoughby wrote in an essay published in Time. “What was his intent in emphasizing that point? My friend turned to me and said, ‘The president of the United States just called you a liar.’”
“There it is again. The words ‘mere allegation’ and ‘falsely accused’ meant to imply that I am a liar. That Colbie Holderness is a liar,” Willoughby continued. “That the work Rob was doing in the White House was of higher value than our mental, emotional or physical well-being. That his professional contributions are worth more than the truth. That abuse is something to be questioned and doubted.”
“For any men, women, or children currently in situations of abuse, please know: It is real. You are not crazy. You are not alone. I believe you," Willoughby concluded.
You can read the full essay over here.
[Photo: Getty Images]
