President Donald Trump spoke out against domestic violence on Wednesday, in response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the departure of Rob Porter.
“I am 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,” Trump said to reporters at a White House event on tax cuts.
Since White House staff secretary Rob Porter resigned after allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-wives, critics have questioned why Trump hasn’t personally condemned domestic violence.
“Now you hear it, but you all know it,” Trump said after he was finished speaking.
Cable news narratives have harped on Trump’s “silence” on the issue, despite White House statements from the president condemning domestic violence.
“The President takes all of these accusations very seriously. He believes in due process. Above everything else, he supports the victims of any type of violence and certainly would condemn any violence against anyone,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters on Monday and Tuesday. “The President dictated to me specifically, that comment.”
Questions about who at the White House knew what about Porter’s alleged abuse remain unanswered although he resigned a week ago.