The House Ethics Committee announced Tuesday it has launched an investigation into Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) following allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-wife. Miller had publicly requested the committee investigate his past behavior in an effort to counter calls for his resignation.
His ex-wife, Emily Moreno, who is also the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), has accused Miller of being an "abusive husband," an "abusive father," and a "violent man." In court filings, she claims Miller held a gun to her head, scalded her with hot water, and fractured their 2-year-old daughter's collarbone. Miller has denied these allegations.
The ethics panel stated its investigation will examine whether Miller "engaged in domestic violence and abuse or illegal drug use." The congressman announced on social media that he had submitted paperwork to the committee, stating he had "nothing to hide" and was eager for a "detailed examination."
Sources have suggested President Donald Trump privately encouraged Miller to withdraw from his reelection campaign, with Axios reporting Trump told Miller, "things aren’t looking good." Miller was first elected to the House in 2023. Tuesday marked the deadline for local officials to hold a special primary if he were to drop out of the race.
Miller has stated he is not resigning. In a social media livestream, he denied the abuse allegations and claimed evidence of his innocence, pointing to a continued friendly relationship with his ex-wife after the alleged incidents. He questioned, "If I had assaulted her, would she have offered to cook me dinner six days later?"
Organizations focused on domestic violence stated that Miller's claims are a common tactic to discredit abuse allegations. A spokesperson for the Ohio Domestic Violence Network said that survivors may continue to interact with an abuser due to fear, love, hope for change, or child protection, and this is not evidence that abuse did not occur. The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence also issued a statement calling Miller's assertion a "dangerous misconception," noting that survivors may not have the freedom to respond as outsiders expect and that everyday acts might be safety strategies.
Senator Moreno described the situation involving his granddaughter as "the seventh level of hell," expressing concern for his daughter's fear of Miller. He also recounted an incident where Miller allegedly withheld a stuffed animal belonging to his granddaughter for 48 hours, calling it "holding it hostage."