FAILING UP

CNN: Porter Was Up for Promotion When Abuse Allegations Broke

Chief of Staff John Kelly “definitely wanted to expand [Porter's] role.”

Former White House Staff Secretary Rob Porter was in “serious discussions” for a promotion when news broke of his alleged abusive behavior toward his two ex-wives, according to CNN. Porter allegedly picked up speechwriting, policy planning rollouts, and began to be increasingly interested in trade policy. Chief of Staff John Kelly “definitely wanted to expand his role,” a source told CNN. This news comes as FBI Director Christopher Wray testified in front of Congress Tuesday, saying that they disclosed a background investigation about Porter in late July and continued to provide information to the White House about up until earlier this month. Wray’s recount goes against the established narrative of the White House, and puts into question how much and when the administration knew. Both developments suggest that the White House may have been “willing to overlook” Porter’s abuse allegations “in exchange for professional competence[.]”