President Trump has privately cautioned Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) that his reelection prospects are dimming in the wake of domestic abuse allegations, according to the congressman. Miller told The Wall Street Journal that Trump called him on Monday and delivered a blunt assessment, citing internal polling that suggested a difficult path forward.
Miller, a former White House aide whose political career was boosted by Trump's endorsement in 2021, said he pushed back against the president's gloomy outlook. "He said he had a poll with no detail, and I pushed back with our poll that has us winning by 9 with our message out there," Miller told the Journal. "He kept on reiterating it's going to be tough, and it's going to be a really hard one for you."
Despite the warning, Miller described Trump as "supportive" during the call. Earlier that day, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Miller is a "good person" and that the allegations are "very sad," adding, "I'm going to let the families figure that out." Trump also noted that "it's accusations," seemingly hedging his support.
The allegations stem from Miller's ex-wife, Emily Moreno, the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio). She has accused Miller of throwing hot water on her, holding a gun to her head, and breaking their daughter's collarbone. The couple divorced in 2025, and Emily Moreno has filed for a restraining order as the two battle over custody. Miller has denied all allegations, asserting that his ex-wife is "engaging in a pattern of reporting incredible, serious and destructive allegations with absolutely no evidence."
Bernie Moreno has escalated the pressure, publicly calling on Miller to resign. "As he has admitted privately, Max Miller needs serious psychological help," the senator said in a statement. "He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter." Moreno added that Miller "should not serve in the House of Representatives" and must "seek professional help to end the clear pattern of abuse he has left in his wake."
Other Senate Republicans have echoed those calls. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) told Politico that if Moreno "thinks he ought to resign, I'm supportive of that." Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) also reportedly said Miller should step down. The growing GOP anxiety over Miller's seat is detailed in a recent report on GOP anxiety over Miller's reelection, highlighting the political fallout for the party in a competitive district.
Miller's situation adds to a broader pattern of political turbulence for Trump allies facing legal or ethical controversies. The president's own legal battles have been a recurring theme, as seen in uncertainty over Jeanine Pirro's future after a Trump rebuke. Meanwhile, Trump's policy agenda, including his tariff agenda, continues to draw scrutiny from Democrats and some Republicans.
Miller, who has not indicated he will step aside, maintains his innocence and appears determined to fight the allegations. The coming weeks will test whether Trump's warning proves prescient or whether Miller can weather the storm with the president's backing. For now, the political establishment is watching closely, as the outcome could signal how the GOP handles members facing serious personal misconduct charges.
