President Trump Donald John TrumpSteele Dossier sub-source was subject of FBI counterintelligence probe Pelosi slams Trump executive order on pre-existing conditions: It 'isn't worth the paper it's signed on' Trump 'no longer angry' at Romney because of Supreme Court stance MORE reportedly asked former White House staff secretary Rob Porter on multiple occasions last year whether he'd be willing to replace White House counsel Don McGahn, whose exit from the White House Trump announced on Wednesday.

The New York Times reported Wednesday afternoon that Trump often talked about his desire to get rid of McGahn, who often pushed back against him. Trump asked Porter several times if he would be willing to take over the position if McGahn left, including when chief of staff John Kelly John Francis KellyMORE took over last summer.

Porter responded that he did not believe he was qualified for the job, the Times reported.

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Porter left the White House in February after allegations surfaced that he abused his two ex-wives. Porter denied the claims, which were accompanied by photos of his first wife's bruised and battered face that she said resulted from Porter punching her.

Trump praised Porter upon his departure, and wished him well in his career. The Times reported earlier this year that the president stayed in touch with Porter even after his departure.

Trump announced in a tweet Wednesday morning that McGahn will depart the White House after Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation.

McGahn has played a leading role in the White House's efforts to shape the judiciary. He is also tasked with advising the president and other White House staff on legal issues that pertain to the government.

Trump praised McGahn on Wednesday afternoon as an "excellent guy," adding that he has "a lot of affection for Don."

Trump announced McGahn's planned exit less than two weeks after The New York Times reported that the White House counsel had cooperated extensively with special counsel Robert Mueller as part of his investigation into Russian interference in the presidential election, including into whether Trump obstructed justice.

McGahn reportedly threatened to quit earlier in his White House tenure after Trump raised the possibility of firing Mueller.

Trump later claimed to have allowed McGahn and other members of the administration to “fully cooperate” with Mueller, whose investigation the president has regularly decried as a "witch hunt" and a "hoax."