House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., acknowledged that “things don’t look good” for Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, as the congressman faces growing pressure to resign over allegations of domestic abuse involving his ex-wife, the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio. At the same time, Johnson emphasized that the accusations have not been proven and said the matter should be handled through the appropriate investigative process.
Johnson made the remarks during an interview with Politico’s Dasha Burns on the latest episode of “The Conversation” podcast, where he explained why he has not taken any formal action against Miller despite the mounting controversy.
Burns referenced comments President Donald Trump reportedly made to Miller, telling the Ohio Republican, “Things aren’t looking good for you.”
Johnson agreed that the situation appears serious but stressed that the allegations remain just that at this stage.
“Well, I mean, they don’t look good right now, of course,” Johnson said. “But again, what should a Speaker do in this case? I mean, I call out alarming behavior. I try to work every day on decorum and on the ethics of the House.”
The House speaker pointed to the chamber’s Ethics Committee as the body responsible for reviewing allegations involving lawmakers.
“We have a very active and engaged Ethics Committee,” Johnson said. “They’ve done more work than they need to. I wish it wasn’t necessary.”
Johnson also said Miller’s private conversations with fellow lawmakers have mirrored his public statements about the controversy.
According to Johnson, Miller has described the allegations as part of a “nasty divorce proceeding” and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
“He denies all this, and he thinks it’s a hit job on him,” Johnson said, describing Miller’s position.
Despite the seriousness of the accusations, Johnson said he would not call on Miller to withdraw from Congress or abandon his reelection campaign.
“I will tell Max what I tell everyone,” Johnson said. “These are serious allegations. I’m the father of two daughters who work on Capitol Hill. I mean, the allegations are serious. I think Max is taking them seriously, I think our colleagues are, but again, we have to allow this process to play out. It’s just begun.”
During the interview, Burns also noted that Miller has previously criticized Johnson, saying he would not support him as Republican leader and accusing the speaker of “dividing Republicans with a smile.”
Johnson dismissed the idea that those past political disagreements would influence how he handles the current situation.
“Look, Max has had a lot of issues in his life. I don’t return fire,” Johnson said. “That doesn’t bother me. And there’s a lot of criticism that comes with the job. I’m not going to use this situation to say something negative about him.”
Calls for Miller to resign have continued to grow among Senate Republicans. Moreno, whose daughter was previously married to Miller, has also urged his former son-in-law to step aside.
On Sunday, Moreno said the Ohio congressman needs “serious psychological help.”
Although Miller described a recent phone call with President Trump as “supportive” during an interview with The Wall Street Journal on Monday, a source familiar with the conversation previously told The Hill that Trump suggested the Ohio lawmaker should drop out of the race.
Meanwhile, the House Ethics Committee announced Tuesday that it is opening a formal investigation into Miller. The announcement came shortly after Miller said he planned to submit his own request asking the committee to investigate him.
Miller has repeatedly denied the allegations against him and has said he has no intention of stepping aside.
He has also insisted he will remain in his bid for reelection and will not withdraw before Wednesday’s deadline to file for a place on the ballot.
With the Ethics Committee now beginning its investigation, Johnson said lawmakers should allow the process to move forward while the allegations are examined, maintaining that the claims against Miller remain accusations as the review gets underway.
[READ MORE: Federal Judge Dismisses Remaining Criminal Cases Against Oath Keepers Members Following DOJ Request]
