A years-old tweet from President Trump resurfaced Friday after he defended former White House aide Rob Porter who is facing allegations that he verbally and physically abused his two ex-wives.

“If @rihanna is dating @chrisbrown again, then she has a death wish,” Trump wrote in 2012. “A beater is always a beater—just watch!”

If @rihanna is dating @chrisbrown again then she has a death wish. A beater is always a beater--just watch! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2012



Rapper Chris Brown assaulted singer Rihanna in 2009, leaving her face badly bruised and swollen. The two were later rumored to be dating again.

Porter resigned from the White House on Wednesday, a day after his ex-wives told the Daily Mail that the aide had been abusive during their respective marriages.

Trump praised Porter Friday, wishing him well in his future endeavors and reminding reporters that Porter has said he’s innocent.

"We hope he has a wonderful career and he will have a great career ahead of him," Trump said. "But it was very sad when we heard about it and certainly he's also very sad now.”

The White House has faced criticism over how much it knew and when it knew of the accusations against Porter.

White House chief of staff John Kelly and other West Wing staffers issued statements in support of Porter on Tuesday.

Deputy press secretary Raj Shah admitted Thursday the White House “could have done better” in its handling of the controversy.