Former White House Communications Director Stephanie Grisham has taken legal action against Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), filing for a temporary restraining order as the two remain locked in a contentious legal battle. Grisham's attorney, Mark S. Zaid, confirmed the filing on social media platform X, stating that the move is part of an ongoing lawsuit.
The dispute traces back to a Washington Post op-ed Grisham wrote, in which she described an abusive relationship with an unnamed man. Miller responded by filing a defamation suit, which was later dropped after both parties agreed to a nondisclosure pact barring public disparagement. However, tensions reignited in June when Miller, during an interview with Spectrum News, suggested that the allegations should be taken seriously but also noted that they emerged around the same time as a book launch. He defended his ex-wife's account, saying she was with him daily during the campaign and would attest that he never committed the alleged acts.
Miller is currently embroiled in a custody dispute with his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, over their daughter. Moreno has accused Miller of throwing scalding water at her, holding a gun to her head, and breaking their daughter's collarbone—claims Miller has categorically denied. Despite the mounting allegations, Miller has vowed to continue his reelection campaign.
The political fallout has been swift. Emily Moreno's father, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), has publicly called for Miller's resignation, a sentiment echoed by several Republican colleagues. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) told MeidasTouch that Miller "shouldn't be in office," while Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) expressed doubt about Miller's side, noting he knows the Moreno family and "can't imagine they would go through this process if there wasn't something there."
With the deadline for Miller to withdraw from the ballot approaching on Wednesday, some Republicans are growing anxious about the potential for a Democratic upset in a district that Trump carried by 11 points in 2024. President Trump, however, has remained noncommittal, telling reporters, "I'm going to let the families figure that out. It's accusations and I'm going to let them figure that out."
In a bid to clear his name, Miller announced on Tuesday that he would initiate his own ethics investigation, saying he wants to "clear my name from the horrific attacks on myself and my family." He added, "The accusations continue to change, but my facts stay the same. I am looking forward to my colleagues reading everything for themselves."
The unfolding saga has put Ohio Republicans in a difficult position, as they weigh the political risks of standing by Miller against the credibility of the abuse allegations. The case has also drawn national attention, with GOP anxiety growing over Miller's reelection prospects. Meanwhile, Senator Moreno's demand for resignation has intensified pressure on Miller, who remains defiant.
As the legal and political battles continue, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether Miller can survive both the courts and the ballot box.
