The House Ethics Committee announced on Tuesday the initiation of an investigation concerning allegations of domestic abuse against Republican Representative Max Miller. The Ohio congressman is feeling increasing pressure from former President Donald Trump and criticism from Bernie Moreno, his former father-in-law and Ohio Senator. The ethics probe occurs as Miller faces a Wednesday deadline to decide on his reelection bid amid Republican concerns that these allegations could risk their House majority during midterm elections.
According to the committee’s statement, they are examining whether Miller engaged in domestic violence, abuse, or illegal drug use. Earlier in the day, Miller had requested an investigation into allegations brought by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. It remains unclear if his or another request prompted the committee’s probe.
A private source revealed that Trump spoke with Miller on Monday, advising him about his candidacy’s prospects. “It doesn’t look good,” Trump said, as first reported by Axios. Nonetheless, during a CNN interview on Tuesday, Miller stated that he would not leave the race despite Trump’s advice. He quoted Trump saying, “‘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 emphasized his determination by saying, “I will never, ever let my baby girl see her dad walk away as a quitter. I will continue to finish this.”
Miller, endorsed by Trump in May, is dealing with several legal filings from his ex-wife and an ex-girlfriend. Senator Moreno, who had previously stayed quiet regarding the allegations on his daughter’s request, described the situation as “truly the seventh level of hell” for their family. He told reporters, “If there’s any minimum standard for being a public official, he fails to meet that minimum, basic standard.” Moreno focused on his granddaughter’s well-being, disregarding political implications, saying, “I don’t care about the politics at all.”
Over the weekend, Miller livestreamed a video defending himself and shared documents related to his divorce and custody cases. This move led Senator Moreno to call for Miller’s resignation from public office. On Monday, Trump declined a public stance on whether Miller should leave the race, referring to the accusations as “allegations.” He commented, “I know Max. He’s a good person… And I’m going to let the families figure that out.”