Donald Trump: Domestic Violence Is (Checks Notes) Bad

When Donald Trump last spoke about Rob Porter—his former aide who resigned after multiple accusations of domestic violence, he did exactly what you would expect from him and defended Porter. “We wish him well. He worked very hard,” Trump said. He also emphasized that it is a “tough time” for Porter.

Since then Trump has ignored repeated questions about Porter, even as the scandal surrounding the White House’s knowledge of his alleged abuses has deepened.

Finally, on Wednesday, reporters dragged a vague, rote comment out of Trump. Speaking in the Oval Office, he said, “I’m totally opposed to domestic violence and everybody here knows that. I’m totally opposed to domestic violence of any kind. Everyone knows that. And it almost wouldn’t even have to be said. So, now you hear it, but you all know.” (Note: Trump said nothing specifically about Porter.)

Trump’s annoyance at having to say even this much was clear, but he’s wrong about what “everyone knows.” What everyone actually knows is that Trump’s White House urged an alleged domestic abuser not to quit his job, then told the public that said domestic abuser “did a very good job when he was at the White House,” then repeatedly ignored questions about said domestic abuser.