Jennie Willoughby, Rob Porter's Ex-Wife, Talks Trump's Dismissal Of Her Abuse & Rejection Of #MeToo

Jennie Willoughby pens TIME essay addressing Trump calling her and Porter's other accusers liars, and America's refusal to confront reality of abuse.

Trump essentially called the three-women 'liars' who have accused former White House staff secretary Rob Porter of physical and emotional abuse. The trio includes two ex-wives and the woman Porter was dating when he got cozy with White House Communications Director Hope Hicks in November. By then, the White House was fully appraised that Porter was having difficulty getting a top-level security clearance -- considered a problem so serious that Porter should have been sent packing months ago. 

American women -- and many men -- are speechless that Trump has not said one word in support of women who are abused, a reality that is a serious problem in America and worldwide. Specifically, his tweets have only spoken of harm done to men by false accusations from women, as Trump inquired if there was no due process anymore. 

Jennie Willoughby is Rob Porter's second wife, and she has responded to Trump, writing for TIME.com that she was incredulous when twice the President of the United States sat in the Oval Office, praising the work of her ex-husband and wishing him future success while suggesting by inference that Willoughby had committed a federal crime by lying to the FBI. 

Willoughby, who also writes on her website BorneBackCeaselessly.com, had her own say about Trump with these words about abuse. 

There it is again. The words “mere allegation” and “falsely accused” meant to imply that I am a liar. That Colbie Holderness is a liar. That the work Rob was doing in the White House was of higher value than our mental, emotional or physical wellbeing. That his professional contributions are worth more than the truth. That abuse is something to be questioned and doubted.

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Everyone wants to talk about how Trump implied I am a not to be believed. As if Trump is the model of kindness and forgiveness. As if he readily acknowledges his own shortcomings and shows empathy and concern for others. I forgive him. Thankfully, my strength and worth are not dependent on outside belief — the truth exists whether the President accepts it or not.

. . .  Society as a whole has a fear of addressing our worst secrets. (Just ask any African-American citizen). It’s as if we have a societal blind spot that creates an obstacle to understanding. Society as a whole doesn’t acknowledge the reality of abuse.

The tendency to avoid, deny, or cover up abuse is never really about power, or money, or an old boys’ club. It is deeper than that. Rather than embarrass an abuser, society is subconsciously trained to question a victim of abuse. I would call it an ignorant denial based on the residual, puritan, collective agreement that abuse is uncomfortable to talk about.

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We are at a critical moment in history and there are three things I know to be true:

Where there is anger, there is underlying pain.

Where there is denial, there is underlying fear.

Where there is abuse, there is cover-up.

While I may have compassion for my ex-husband and recognize his need for help, I do not tolerate abuse. While I may understand President Trump and Gen. Kelly’s incredulity at such a counter-image of their golden boy, I do not condone their choice to support him.

In light of the President’s and the White House’s continued dismissal of me and Colbie, I want to assure you my truth has not been diminished. I own my story and now that I have been compelled to share it, I’m not willing to cover it up for anyone. And for any men, women, or children currently in situations of abuse, please know:

It is real.

You are not crazy. 

You are not alone.

I believe you.