Trump Allies Turn on Ohio Republican Max Miller Over Abuse Claims
Ohio Republican Rep. Max Miller is facing open revolt from within his own party after allegations of domestic abuse prompted calls for him to quit
Ohio Republican Rep. Max Miller is facing open revolt from within his own party after allegations of domestic abuse prompted calls for him to quit Congress. The pressure sharpened this week when Sen. Bernie Moreno, Miller’s former father-in-law, said the House member was unfit to serve.
Moreno’s public break with Miller is striking. He had stayed quiet for days while allegations from his daughter, Emily Moreno, circulated, then came out on Sunday with a blunt demand that Miller step down. Miller denies the accusations.
Party pressure builds
Republican senators have now started saying out loud what some had only hinted at privately: Miller should go. One GOP lawmaker was even quoted saying, “He should quit.”
Moreno said Miller “fails” basic standards of character for elected office and said he believed his former son-in-law needed professional help. He also warned that Miller’s behavior had become dangerous. The senator said he hoped the dispute would remain private, but added that Miller’s “increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior” left him no choice but to speak publicly.
Very public. Very ugly.
Miller pushes back
Miller responded in combative fashion during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, calling the women accusing him of lying, including his ex-wife. He also invoked President Donald Trump while insisting he would not resign.
The clash comes as Trump himself has reportedly pressed Miller over the political damage, including a call in which he told the congressman that things were not looking good for his reelection campaign against Democrat Brian Poindexter. Trump has also shown a willingness to lean on Republicans in other fights, including by floating the idea of pulling Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general to avoid giving in to GOP holdouts.
Ethics inquiry underway
The congressional ethics committee has opened an investigation into allegations that Miller may have engaged in domestic violence, abuse or illegal drug use in violation of House conduct rules.
Miller, a former White House aide, has not been charged with a crime over the accusations. The dispute now sits at the intersection of party loyalty, personal scandal and a looming electoral deadline in Ohio. And the clock is still ticking.
