Trump Says He Opposes Domestic Violence Amid Storm Over Ex-Aide

(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump told reporters he opposes domestic violence after days of criticism for his administration’s handling of abuse allegations against a former top aide.

“I’m totally opposed to domestic violence of any kind,” Trump said Wednesday. “Everyone knows that. And it almost wouldn’t even have to be said. So, now you hear it, but you all know.”

Trump and White House Chief of Staff John Kelly have faced a torrent of criticism after revelations that former Staff Secretary Rob Porter continued in his post despite an FBI background check that identified abuse allegations by two ex-wives at least as far back as July.

The president defended Porter in comments to reporters last week and in Twitter posts over the weekend without condemning domestic violence or expressing sympathy for Porter’s two ex-wives, who alleged he physically and emotionally abused them. Porter denied the allegations and resigned last week.

To contact the reporter on this story: Justin Sink in Washington at jsink1@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Alex Wayne at awayne3@bloomberg.net, Mike Dorning

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