Trump urged to ask Ohio Rep. Max Miller to withdraw amid abuse allegations
Republican allies are pressing President Donald Trump to encourage Rep. Max Miller to exit the Ohio congressional race following domestic-abuse accusations and criticism from the senator father of Miller’s ex-wife.
Republican leaders close to President Donald Trump have asked the White House to have the president urge Rep. Max Miller to drop out of his Ohio congressional re-election bid, citing concerns over the former lawmaker’s electability after domestic-abuse allegations made by his ex-wife. Four sources familiar with the discussions said top House Republicans have contacted White House officials, requesting that Trump intervene before the ballot-submission deadline.
Trump has reportedly told allies that he doubts Miller can win the race and that the candidate should withdraw, though Miller issued a statement on Monday rejecting the idea, saying dropping out would betray American values and that he is innocent of the accusations.
Sen. Bernie Moreno, the father of Miller’s ex-wife, publicly declared that his former son-in-law “should not serve” in Congress and called him a “danger.” A Trump adviser expressed frustration that Moreno delayed his condemnation, suggesting the timing could hinder efforts to remove Miller from the ballot.
Ohio election officials have set two deadlines: if Miller withdraws by the close of business on Tuesday, a special primary would be held; if he withdraws after that date, party leaders have until August 10 to replace him on the ballot, provided they give two days’ notice for a selection meeting.
In the Oval Office on Monday, Trump described Miller as “a very good person” and said the families involved were “working on it,” adding that the accusations were “very sad.” The controversy surrounds Miller’s marriage to Emily Moreno, the daughter of Sen. Moreno, their 2023 daughter, and a divorce finalized in 2025. Emily Moreno has alleged multiple instances of abuse, including an incident involving a firearm, though no charges have been filed. Miller has denied the claims, filed a defamation suit, and asserted that investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing.
Miller’s campaign continues to assert his innocence, with the candidate stating on a livestream that the allegations are “without evidence” and that he will remain in the race, aiming to win in November against Democrat Brian Poindexter.