Key Facts
- Accuser
- Ex-wife Emily Moreno and her father Sen. Bernie Moreno
- Allegations
- Pointing gun, pouring hot water, throwing against wall, beating, potential collarbone fracture
- Miller's response
- Denied all allegations, compared himself to Trump
- Interview
- Nearly 30-minute CNN interview with Jake Tapper
- Race
- Ohio's 7th congressional district
- Other accusers
- Stephanie Grisham and an unnamed high school acquaintance
Background
Republican Rep. Max Miller, 37, is facing allegations of physical abuse from his ex-wife, Republican operative Emily Moreno, 32, and her father, Sen. Bernie Moreno. The accusations include pointing a gun at Moreno's head, pouring hot water on her, throwing her against a wall, beating her, and potentially fracturing their 2-year-old daughter's collarbone.
Miller and Moreno separated in 2024 and divorced last year. They are in a custody battle over their daughter. Miller has repeatedly denied the allegations, and his ex-girlfriend, former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, and another unnamed woman have also accused him of physical harm.
Current Situation
In a nearly 30-minute interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, Miller compared himself to President Donald Trump, saying he faced 'false and baseless allegations' and would not be pushed out of his seat. He claimed Trump told him on the phone Monday morning, 'Maxie, it's going to be a tough race.'
Tapper pressed Miller on the accusations, noting that first-hand accusations are not hearsay. Miller called his daughter's alleged statements 'a fabrication of the truth,' saying she cannot string together sentences. Tapper pointed out that Miller had just said his daughter was 'scared to go to Mommy's house.'
| Accuser | Allegation | Miller's response |
|---|---|---|
| Emily Moreno | Pointed gun at head | Denied |
| Emily Moreno | Poured hot water | Denied |
| Emily Moreno | Threw against wall | Denied |
| Emily Moreno | Beat her | Denied |
| Emily Moreno | Potentially fractured daughter's collarbone | Denied |
| Stephanie Grisham | Physical harm | Denied |
| Unnamed woman | Physical harm | Denied |
Impacts
Miller faces pressure to drop out of the race for Ohio's 7th congressional district but has insisted he is staying in. His comparison to Trump may resonate with some voters, but the allegations could affect his re-election campaign.
The custody battle over the couple's daughter is ongoing, and the allegations could influence court proceedings. Miller's denials and the investigations he cites may shape public perception, but the outcome remains uncertain.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If Miller remains in the race, he may face continued scrutiny and potential primary or general election challenges. The allegations could become a central issue, and his resilience narrative may or may not resonate with voters.
If investigations or legal proceedings yield new findings, they could alter the situation. However, without further evidence, the veracity of the allegations remains unclear, and the political impact is speculative.
Source: thedailybeast.com
