U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno stated that his former son-in-law, U.S. Rep. Max Miller, should not serve in the House of Representatives and “seek professional help” as Miller faces renewed scrutiny over domestic abuse allegations. Moreno, whose daughter Emily is Miller’s ex-wife, expressed concern for his daughter and granddaughter.
In a statement posted Sunday on X, Moreno said, “If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives.” Moreno added that Miller “needs serious psychological help. He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter."
Miller, an Ohio Republican endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has denied abusing his ex-wife and their daughter. He stated Sunday that he will not withdraw from his re-election campaign, with a deadline to replace him approaching on Wednesday. Democrats have viewed the allegations as a potential opening in Miller’s northeast Ohio congressional seat.
The accusations against Miller, who was a White House adviser during Trump's first term, have been public for years but have recently intensified as the custody dispute has escalated. Emily Moreno has alleged that Miller scalded, hit, and threatened her during their marriage. Miller denied these claims in his Sunday video and has done so previously.
Miller also denied any involvement in a broken collarbone suffered by their 2-year-old daughter, an incident that led Emily Moreno to contact authorities. Court filings and police reports have detailed differing accounts of the injury’s cause. The couple married in 2022 and finalized their divorce last year.
Miller released a large collection of investigative and court documents related to the custody dispute, along with what he described as previously undisclosed evidence. Stefan Mychajliw, a spokesperson for Emily Moreno, called Miller’s video “shameful,” stating, “No loving parent would have ever used their daughter as a PR pawn to save their own political career.” Mychajliw added that Miller “can lie and spin on X, but he cannot do so under oath in a court of law. We are confident that justice will prevail in court."
Miller has not addressed past abuse allegations made by his former girlfriend, Stephanie Grisham. Grisham filed new litigation in July, claiming Miller violated a settlement agreement not to disparage each other.
Democrats have urged Miller to resign, called for a congressional ethics investigation, and suggested increased support for his Democratic opponent, Brian Poindexter.