Full story
Ethics probe opened
The House Ethics Committee announced Tuesday that it is opening a probe into allegations that Rep. Max Miller “may have engaged in domestic violence and abuse or illegal drug use in violation of the code of official conduct or any other applicable standard of conduct.”
“may have engaged in domestic violence and abuse or illegal drug use”
Miller, an Ohio Republican, requested the ethics investigation into himself earlier that day as calls for his resignation intensified after his ex-wife Emily Moreno accused him of abuse, allegations Miller denied in “increasingly strident statements.”
In a post on X, Miller wrote, “In light of all the renewed interest in my family affairs I am going to file my own paperwork for an ethics investigation into myself to clear my name from these horrific attacks on myself and family,” and said he would provide documents for review.
CBS News reported the committee’s probe does not indicate that the allegations have occurred, even as the investigation adds to the pressure on Miller’s reelection bid.
The dispute has also divided Republicans, with the daughter of GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio at the center of the public fight and Democrats taking a closer look at a seat previously considered out of their reach.
Denials and competing voices
Miller has denied the allegations and told reporters, “I have absolutely nothing to hide,” while saying he is “looking forward” to colleagues reading the documents he plans to provide.
CBS News said President Trump and some White House officials are privately hoping Miller steps aside, even as Miller’s request for an ethics probe escalated the controversy.
The House Ethics Committee chairman Michael Guest and ranking member Mark DeSaulnier confirmed the panel is “reviewing allegations” and said the mere fact of investigating does not itself indicate any violation has occurred.
Sen. Bernie Moreno, the father of Miller’s ex-wife Emily Moreno, described the situation as “truly the seventh level of hell” and said his daughter “lives in constant fear of this man.”
In response to the public fallout, Roll Call reported that Trump told reporters he would “let the families figure that out,” while Miller called the water incident “horseplay” in their kitchen.
Deadline and political risk
The ethics process is unfolding alongside a tight electoral timeline, with CNBC saying the deadline for Miller to withdraw and be replaced on the ballot is Wednesday.
“The deadline for Miller to withdraw and be replaced on the ballot is Wednesday”
Forbes reported that the House Ethics Committee is investigating allegations of illegal drug use and domestic violence, while noting “the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred.”
News of the United States said the committee has a rule barring it from pursuing investigations within 60 days of an election, and that it is unlikely to release findings by Election Day.
NPR said Miller’s ethics request followed his release of a video statement and documents responding to claims attributed to his ex-wife Emily Moreno, with those documents including sensitive images of their minor child that his legal team said were inadvertently shared.
As the scandal continues, NPR reported that Sen. Moreno said Miller “was not fit to serve and should resign,” while the House Ethics Committee’s review adds another layer to the pressure on Miller’s reelection fight.
