Donald Trump, the US president, said on Saturday that lives were being "shattered" by mere allegations, after two of his White House aides quit over accusations of domestic abuse.

Mr Trump said: "Peoples lives are being shattered and destroyed by a mere allegation. Some are true and some are false. Some are old and some are new. "There is no recovery for someone falsely accused - life and career are gone. Is there no such thing any longer as Due Process?”

David Sorensen, a White House speechwriter, resigned after his ex-wife claimed he was violent and verbally abusive during their two year marriage. He denies the accusations, but said he was leaving the White House to avoid causing a distraction.

It followed the departure on Wednesday of Rob Porter, White House staff secretary, who resigned when two ex-wives came forward to accuse him of assault. He denied the “vile accusations” but has also left the Trump team.

Mr Trump, who has himself been accused of sexual misconduct, defended Mr Porter, saying he had done a "very good job" at the White House.

"It's obviously, tough time for him. He did a very good job when he was in the White House. And we hope he has a wonderful career," he said. He made no mention of the women who reported the abuse.