The U.S. House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into Republican Rep. Max Miller of Ohio following allegations of domestic violence and abuse made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. The announcement came on Tuesday amid growing pressure on Miller, a former senior adviser to President Donald Trump, who is facing a contested reelection bid in November.
The committee is investigating whether Miller may have engaged in domestic violence, abuse, or illegal drug use. Miller himself requested an ethics investigation, stating on social media that he wanted to clear his name and has “absolutely nothing to hide.” It remains unclear whether this request prompted the committee's action or if the inquiry had already been initiated.
Emily Moreno, the congressman’s ex-wife and daughter of Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno, has accused Miller of multiple instances of physical abuse during their marriage, which ended in divorce last year. She alleges that Miller once threw scalding hot water on her, sprayed her with a kitchen sink hose, held a gun to her head, and was responsible for injuries to their two-year-old daughter, including a fractured collarbone. Police reports cited in court filings have also described bruises consistent with inflicted harm. Miller denies all allegations, asserting that Moreno has mental health issues and has fabricated claims against him. Moreno's legal team has disputed Miller’s characterization.
Miller and Moreno currently have restraining orders against each other, and Moreno recently filed for an additional restraining order on behalf of her attorneys, citing an incident during a court hearing where Miller allegedly grabbed one of her lawyers.
Senator Bernie Moreno, who had initially remained silent at his daughter’s request, spoke out publicly on Sunday, describing the situation as “the seventh level of hell” and expressing deep concern for his daughter and granddaughter. He has called for Miller to step down from public office, labeling him unfit to serve in Congress. Miller has so far rebuffed these calls and has confirmed his intention to remain in the race.
President Donald Trump spoke privately with Miller on Monday, telling him that his candidacy “doesn’t look good” and warning that it would be “a tough race” if he continued. However, Trump stopped short of publicly urging Miller to withdraw. The district Miller represents, which includes suburbs of Cleveland and rural parts of Ohio, was won by Trump by 11 percentage points in 2024 but is now viewed as competitive due to the controversy.
In addition to the domestic abuse claims filed by Emily Moreno, Miller faces a separate legal challenge from Stephanie Grisham, a former White House press secretary and his ex-girlfriend. Grisham has sought a temporary restraining order against Miller, accusing him of violating a non-disclosure agreement relating to past allegations of abuse. Miller has denied her claims and described them as false.
The dispute has also involved the controversial release of sensitive documents and images related to the family, including a photo of the couple’s daughter published inadvertently by Miller’s attorney. Emily Moreno’s legal team contends this violated the child’s privacy and amounts to exploiting the child for political purposes.
No criminal charges have been filed against Miller to date. The matter continues to unfold as the ethics investigation proceeds and the election deadline approaches. Republican leaders face a Wednesday deadline to name a potential replacement candidate if Miller opts to withdraw.