President Donald Trump called former White House Chief of Staff Reince Preibus to grouse about the job performance of his successor, John Kelly, The New York Times reported Thursday.
According to the Times, which cited unnamed sources, Trump phoned several people, including Priebus, amid the controversy surrounding allegations of domestic abuse against White House staff secretary Rob Porter.
Porter, accused of abuse by two ex-wives, has resigned.
In a Daily Mail report that first revealed allegations against Porter, Kelly defended Porter, but then issued a statement Wednesday saying he was "shocked" by the allegations, the Times reported.
"There is no place for domestic violence in our society," Kelly said, the Times reported, adding: "I stand by my previous comments of the Rob Porter that I have come to know since becoming chief of staff and believe every individual deserves the right to defend their reputation."
Trump has also recently asked advisers their thoughts about Mick Mulvaney, the White House budget director, possibly serving as chief of staff, the Times reported. Mulvaney currently also serves as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who was once was Kelly's boss at the Pentagon, told the Times, the current turmoil make him "worry about John."
"Even he has admitted it's probably the toughest job he's ever had," Panetta told the Times. "And I really do think sometimes, particularly with this president, you're fighting on so many fronts it's tough not to have that job wear on you."
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