In Rob Porter Case, Trump Sends A Message: We Will Protect Powerful Alleged Abusers

Domestic abuse victims often worry their experiences won’t be taken as seriously if the offender is powerful or well-liked professionally.

By defending Rob Porter, the now former White House staff secretary accused of physically abusing his two ex-wives, and emphasizing that he was very good at his job, President Donald Trump and Trump’s chief of staff, John Kelly, are sending victims a signal that those fears are justified. (Porter has denied the allegations.)