Miller, a Former White House Aide, Denies the Allegations and Has Filed a Defamation Suit Against His Wife

Ohio Republican Representative Max Miller faces mounting calls to resign from his own party over domestic abuse allegations, with his ex-father-in-law, GOP Senator Bernie Moreno, declaring him unfit for office. Moreno, father of Miller's former wife Emily, broke his silence Sunday, posting that Miller "fails" basic character standards and should not serve in the House. Miller, a former White House aide, denies the allegations and has filed a defamation suit against his wife.

The couple, who married at Trump's Bedminster club in 2022, divorced in 2025. Allegations include holding a gun to her head, scalding her with boiling water, and causing their toddler daughter's broken collarbone. Several Republican senators, including Roger Marshall, Shelley Moore Capito, Lisa Murkowski, Rick Scott, Jim Justice, and Cynthia Lummis, have backed Moreno. President Donald Trump called Miller Monday, reportedly saying "things aren't looking good" for his re-election against Democrat Brian Poindexter, though Trump publicly said he'd "let the families figure that out.

Miller told the Wall Street Journal Trump was "supportive and that his own poll shows him winning by 9 points. A deadline looms Tuesday for Miller to withdraw and trigger a special primary; after that, the party must replace him by August 10 with two days' notice.