Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, has requested a House Ethics Committee investigation into himself, stating his intention to "clear my name" from abuse allegations made by his ex-wife. The congressman has consistently denied any wrongdoing and accused his former wife and her father, Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, of fabricating a narrative to derail his political career.
"In light of all the renewed interest in my family affairs, I am going to file my own paperwork for an ethics investigation into myself to clear my name from these horrific attacks on myself and my family. I have absolutely nothing to hide," Miller stated on X, formerly Twitter. He added that his office would provide the committee with all necessary documents for a detailed examination.
The House Ethics Committee confirmed it would investigate allegations that Miller "may have engaged in domestic violence and abuse or illegal drug use." The allegations were brought forward by Emily Moreno, who filed for divorce from Miller in 2024. She has accused him of physically abusing both her and their young daughter, including accusations of scalding Moreno with boiling water and holding a gun to her head, as well as a claim that their daughter required medical attention for a broken collarbone while in Miller's care.
Miller has disputed these claims, suggesting in a livestream that Moreno has a history of mental health issues. He asserted that all allegations had previously been investigated without any criminal charges being filed. Regarding the water incident, Miller described it as "horseplay" and contested that the water was boiling. He also stated that the mark on their daughter's neck, which Moreno had taken her to the emergency room for, was from finger painting.
Despite Miller's denials, the feud has drawn public attention in Washington. Sen. Bernie Moreno publicly called on his former son-in-law to resign from Congress, labeling Miller a "danger" to his daughter and granddaughter, with whom Miller shares custody. "He fails to meet that minimum basic standard" for elected officials, Moreno stated.
The controversy has potentially impacted Miller's re-election prospects in his Cleveland-area district. Some within the Republican party have privately expressed concern, with one House GOP source calling the situation a "f—-ing trainwreck" and another House Republican suggesting Miller should not run for re-election. However, Miller has remained defiant, expressing confidence in his ability to win in November.