The House Ethics Committee announced it has begun an investigation into allegations of domestic abuse against Rep. Max Miller, a Republican from Ohio. Miller, a former senior adviser to President Donald Trump, faces increasing pressure from the former president and criticism from his ex-wife’s father, Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno.
There is a deadline approaching for Miller to decide whether he will continue his reelection campaign. The allegations against Miller may impact the Republican party’s efforts to maintain their majority in the House during this year’s midterm elections.
The Ethics Committee stated they are examining whether Miller engaged in domestic violence, abuse, or illegal drug use. Miller himself called for an investigation into the accusations made by his former wife, Emily Moreno. It remains unclear if his call prompted the Ethics Committee’s inquiry.
Reports surfaced that Trump advised Miller on Monday that his candidacy looked unfavorable. This was reported by Axios, citing a source who spoke under anonymity to discuss the conversation. During a CNN interview, Miller said he would not exit the race, despite Trump’s warning.
“Maxie, it’s going to be a tough race. And he said, I don’t know if you’re going to be able to, you know, pull this one out,” Miller quoted Trump.
Miller asserted his determination to continue his campaign, citing his desire not to appear as a quitter to his daughter.
Miller, endorsed by Trump in May, deals with legal actions from his ex-wife and an ex-girlfriend. Senator Moreno, who had stayed silent, spoke out, describing the turmoil within his family caused by the allegations.
Moreno claimed the situation was extremely challenging and argued that Miller fails to meet public officials’ standards. Asked about the political consequences for Republicans, Moreno stated that politics was not his concern; his priority was his granddaughter’s wellbeing.
Moreno mentioned his recent visit to a police station where Miller was with their shared 2-year-old daughter. Over the weekend, Miller signaled his intent to remain in the race, defending himself in a livestream and releasing documents related to his divorce.
Senator Moreno indicated Miller’s video prompted him to speak publicly, urging Miller to leave office. Although Trump refrained from stating his opinion on whether Miller should exit the race, he commented on the nature of the accusations. “I know Max. He’s a good person. I mean, I always thought he was a very good person. And I’m going to let the families figure that out,” Trump remarked to reporters during an Oval Office event.