President Trump phoned Rep. Max Miller Monday and expressed doubts about the Ohio Republican’s candidacy amid reports he assaulted his ex-wife and their child, three sources familiar with the call said.
- On the call, the president told Miller that “things aren’t looking good” and repeatedly said his reelection would be tough, the three sources said.
- Miller, who denies hurting his wife and child, told the president he is staying in the race, one of the sources said.
- Miller said his own polling showed him in solid shape.
Why it matters: The Monday night private conversation was different in tone than Trump’s public comments about Miller. The president has refrained from criticizing Miller or from calling on him to drop out of his race.
- Miller, a former Trump White House aide, was married in 2022 to Emily Moreno, the daughter of Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno, at Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
- Later that year, Miller was elected to Ohio’s 7th congressional district and was endorsed by Trump. He’s in a competitive race for reelection this fall.
- In 2024, Miller and his ex-wife split up prior to their divorce.
Earlier Monday, Trump did not back away from Miller, calling the situation “a very sad thing.”
- “I know Max, he’s a good person, I mean I always thought he was a very good person. And I’m going to let the families figure that out,” Trump said.
- “It’s accusations. And I’m going to let them figure that out.”
- A White House spokesperson and a spokesperson for Miller declined to comment.
