FBI's background check timeline for Rob Porter appears at odds with White House; Director Wray says completed review for ex-staff secretary submitted in 'late July'
FBI Director Christopher Wray Tuesday defended the bureau's background inquiry into former White House staff secretary Rob Porter, who resigned last week amid allegations of domestic abuse. In his first public remarks on the FBI's investigation to determine whether Porter qualified for a security clearance, Wray provided a specific timeline on the inquiry to the Senate Intelligence Committee that appeared to conflict with recent White House accounts. Wray said a "partial report" on Porter was submitted to the White House as early as March and a completed review was submitted in "late July." The White House requested follow-up information from the FBI on Porter's review as recently as November before the bureau "closed the file" in January. Last week, the White House said it was not aware of the "full nature" of the abuse allegations until Wednesday, just before officials accepted Porter's resignation - and said Porter's background investigation was still ongoing.
