House Ethics Committee Launches Investigation into Allegations Against Rep. Max Miller

The House Ethics Committee announced on Tuesday that it has initiated an investigation into domestic abuse allegations involving Republican Representative Max Miller. The congressman from Ohio is facing growing scrutiny from President Donald Trump and criticism from Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno, his former father-in-law. Miller served as a senior adviser to Trump during his first presidency.

The ethical inquiry comes at a time when Miller must decide whether to continue his reelection campaign. Republicans worry the controversy surrounding the congressman, now in his second term, could jeopardize their hopes of retaining the House majority in the upcoming midterms. According to the committee’s statement, they are looking into whether Miller “may have engaged in domestic violence and abuse or illegal drug use.”

Miller stated earlier that he had sought his own investigation into the allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno. It remains unclear if his request influenced the committee’s decision to investigate. A source familiar with a conversation between Trump and Miller shared that Trump advised Miller that his candidacy “doesn’t look good.” Axios initially reported this conversation.

In a CNN interview on Tuesday, Miller asserted that he would not withdraw from the race despite Trump’s caution. “Maxie, it’s going to be a tough race,” he quoted Trump as saying, adding his determination not to quit the campaign as he wants to show perseverance to his daughter. Earlier this year in May, Trump endorsed Miller.

SEN. Moreno, previously silent about the personal allegations at his daughter’s request, voiced concern on Tuesday regarding the impact on his family. Describing the situation as extremely challenging, he stated, “If there’s any minimum standard for being a public official, as I said, he fails to meet that minimum, basic standard.” He emphasized that his concern is not political but for his family.

Moreno involved himself further on Sunday by visiting a police station in suburban Cleveland where Miller was present for a child custody exchange. Miller shares custody with his ex-wife of their 2-year-old daughter. Over the weekend, Miller livestreamed a video defending himself and released documents regarding his divorce and custody issues on social media, which prompted Moreno to break his silence.

Despite the allegations, Trump refrained from publicly recommending Miller to leave the race, noting that the allegations remain unproven at this time. He expressed knowing Miller as a “good person” and stated that resolving the situation should be up to the families involved.