Congressman Max Miller Faces Resignation Calls Amid Domestic Violence Allegations and Ethics Probe

What Happened

On Thursday, August 6, 2026, Republican Ohio Rep. Max Miller became the subject of mounting calls for his resignation from Congress following public allegations of domestic violence. Emily Moreno, Miller’s ex-wife and daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), accused Miller of multiple abuses, including holding a gun to her head in March 2025, fracturing their two-year-old daughter’s collarbone, and burning her with hot water from a pan of eggs in June 2024. These accusations prompted Ohio Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) to issue a statement calling for Miller’s resignation, asserting that “Anyone who commits domestic violence is not fit to serve in Congress.” Separately, former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham also accused Miller of abuse in an October 2021 Washington Post op-ed and filed a restraining order against him on Tuesday. Miller has denied all allegations, claiming Moreno fabricated the stories, and has stated he will not end his reelection bid despite the pressure.

The controversy intensified with a dispute over their daughter’s stuffed blue bunny, which Moreno claimed Miller withheld. Miller posted screenshots to X, arguing that a man not on an approved list attempted to pick up the bunny, and that the item was returned within 14 hours. Further complicating matters, Miller’s attorney, Aaron Minc, took responsibility for inadvertently releasing naked photographs of Miller’s daughter in a Dropbox file intended to dispute Moreno’s accusations, which a lawyer for Moreno suggested “could be considered Child Sexual Abuse Material.” The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into Miller, a move he requested, stating he has “absolutely nothing to hide.”

What the Evidence Establishes

The evidence establishes that Rep. Max Miller is currently under official investigation by the House Ethics Committee, a process initiated at his own request. Both Miller and Emily Moreno have filed restraining orders against each other, indicating a documented legal dispute. Ohio Sen. Jon Husted publicly called for Miller’s resignation, stating that if allegations of domestic violence are true, Miller is “unfit for public office.” This sentiment was echoed by Republican Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy, who labeled Miller a “degenerate sociopath” and urged him to step aside, citing concerns about losing a congressional seat and potentially handing Democrats a majority to impeach President Trump. The incident involving the inadvertent release of naked photographs of Miller’s daughter in a Dropbox file, which his attorney Aaron Minc claimed full responsibility for, is also a confirmed event. Minc stated, “I am solely responsible for what happened,” and confirmed he was the only person responsible for assembling and reviewing the files. The files did not censor their daughter’s name, and Moreno’s lawyer characterized one photo as potentially “Child Sexual Abuse Material.”

Furthermore, the dispute over the stuffed blue bunny is documented through screenshots posted by Miller on X, showing communications with a court-ordered parental coordinator, Deborah Kornicke, and an individual named Jared. Miller’s posts indicate he agreed to allow Bernie Moreno to pick up the bunny, but objected to Jared’s involvement. President Donald Trump reportedly told Miller on Monday that “things aren’t looking good,” suggesting internal Republican concerns about his candidacy. The existence of multiple accusers, including Stephanie Grisham, who filed a restraining order against Miller, is also a matter of public record.

Where the Accounts Conflict

The central conflict lies in the veracity of the domestic violence allegations themselves. Emily Moreno explicitly accuses Rep. Max Miller of specific acts: holding a gun to her head in March 2025, fracturing their two-year-old daughter’s collarbone, and burning her with hot water from a pan of eggs in June 2024, followed by spraying her with a sink hose while she was in a fetal position. Miller, conversely, denies all of these allegations, asserting that Moreno has fabricated these stories. He maintains his innocence and his intention to continue his reelection campaign, directly contradicting the calls for his resignation from figures like Sen. Jon Husted and Sen. Tim Sheehy.

Another point of contention involves the retrieval of their daughter’s stuffed blue bunny. Moreno accused Miller of refusing to return the bunny, implying a deliberate act of withholding. Miller’s account, supported by screenshots he posted to X, suggests a procedural disagreement rather than outright refusal. He claims he agreed to allow Sen. Bernie Moreno to pick up the bunny but objected to an unapproved individual named Jared attempting to retrieve it. Miller stated, “My daughter got her bunny back in 14 hours, no thanks to you,” directly challenging Moreno’s narrative of deliberate obstruction. These conflicting narratives highlight the deeply personal and contentious nature of the ongoing legal and public dispute between Miller and his ex-wife.

Context and Stakes

The allegations against Rep. Max Miller carry significant political stakes, particularly for the Republican Party in Ohio and nationally. Miller is currently embroiled in a reelection bid, and the calls for his resignation from prominent Republicans like Ohio Sen. Jon Husted and Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy underscore the internal pressure he faces. Husted, who is in a competitive race against former Democratic Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, emphasized that domestic violence allegations, if true, render an individual “unfit for public office.” Sheehy went further, suggesting Miller’s continued candidacy could jeopardize the Republican hold on the seat and potentially impact the party’s ability to prevent a Democratic majority from impeaching President Trump.

The involvement of Miller’s ex-father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno, adds another layer of complexity, as Moreno stated he sent his daughter, granddaughter, and wife out of state for their safety. This public statement from a sitting Senator and family member elevates the profile of the allegations. The inadvertent release of naked photographs of Miller’s daughter by his attorney, Aaron Minc, has introduced a severe legal and ethical dimension, with Moreno’s lawyer suggesting the material could be considered “Child Sexual Abuse Material.” This incident not only damages Miller’s public image but also raises questions about the competence and judgment of his legal team. The House Ethics Committee investigation, while requested by Miller, ensures a formal inquiry into the allegations, which could have long-term consequences for his political career and the integrity of Congress.

What to Watch Next

Observers should closely monitor the progress of the House Ethics Committee investigation into Rep. Max Miller. While Miller requested the probe, the committee’s findings and recommendations will be critical. Any public statements or interim reports from the committee regarding the scope or initial findings of their inquiry will provide insight into the seriousness and direction of the investigation. The timeline for such investigations can vary, but initial procedural updates could emerge within weeks. Additionally, the legal proceedings related to the restraining orders filed by both Miller and Emily Moreno will continue to unfold. Court dates, filings, and any judicial decisions will offer further details on the factual disputes and legal standing of the parties involved. The characterization of the inadvertently released photographs by Moreno’s lawyer as potentially “Child Sexual Abuse Material” could trigger separate legal actions or investigations, which warrants close attention.

Politically, the immediate focus will be on whether Rep. Miller succumbs to the increasing pressure from within his own party to resign or withdraw from his reelection campaign. Statements from other prominent Republican figures, particularly those in leadership positions, could signal a shift in party support. Any public appearances or statements from Miller himself, especially regarding the allegations or his campaign status, will be scrutinized. The impact of these developments on his fundraising and polling numbers in the coming weeks will also indicate the political viability of his continued candidacy. Finally, the safety and well-being of Emily Moreno and her daughter, who Sen. Bernie Moreno stated he sent out of state, will remain a humanitarian concern.

Bottom Line

Rep. Max Miller is facing severe political and legal challenges stemming from domestic violence allegations made by his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and a separate accuser, Stephanie Grisham. These accusations have led to public calls for his resignation from fellow Republican lawmakers, including Ohio Sen. Jon Husted and Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy, who cite concerns about his fitness for office and potential electoral consequences. The House Ethics Committee has initiated an investigation into Miller, a process he requested, while both Miller and Moreno have secured restraining orders against each other. A significant misstep by Miller’s legal team involved the inadvertent release of naked photographs of his daughter in a public Dropbox file, which has drawn further condemnation and legal scrutiny.

Despite the mounting pressure and the reported concern from former President Donald Trump, Miller has denied all allegations and affirmed his commitment to his reelection campaign. The ongoing legal battles, the Ethics Committee investigation, and the political fallout will continue to shape Miller’s future in Congress and his public standing. The situation underscores the intense scrutiny public figures face regarding personal conduct and the profound impact such allegations can have on political careers and institutional integrity. The resolution of these conflicts, both legal and political, remains uncertain, with significant implications for all parties involved.