Johnson says things ‘don’t look good’ for Max Miller

House Johnson says things ‘don’t look good’ for Max Miller Comments: by Ryan Mancini - 08/05/26 8:48 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Ryan Mancini - 08/05/26 8:48 AM ET Comments: Link copied

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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said in a recent interview that things “don’t look good” for Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), who is facing calls to step down in connection with allegations of domestic abuse toward his ex-wife, the daughter of Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio).

Johnson told Politico’s Dasha Burns in her latest episode of “The Conversation” podcast that he has not taken action against Miller due to the claims against him only being accusations. Burns then referred to comments President Trump made to Miller, telling him, “Things aren’t looking good for you.”

“Well, I mean, they don’t look good right now, of course,” Johnson replied. “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.”

He added, “We have a very active and engaged ethics committee. They’ve done more work than they need to. I wish it wasn’t necessary.”

Johnson noted that what Miller has said publicly about the “nasty divorce proceeding” that’s “gotten ugly” lines up with what he has told lawmakers privately, “that he denies all this, and he thinks it’s a hit job on him.”

The Speaker said he would not tell Miller to drop out.

“I will tell Max what I tell everyone,” he continued. “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.”

Burns also raised that Miller has criticized Johnson in the past, saying he would not vote for him to serve as the GOP leader and that he is “dividing Republicans with a smile.” The Louisiana Republican responded that it’s ultimately an issue for the Millers, Morenos and Ohio’s 7th Congressional District to decide.

“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.”

The chorus of Senate Republicans calling for Miller to resign has grown. Moreno has also called on his former son-in-law to step down. He said Sunday that the embattled lawmaker needs “serious psychological help.”

Though Miller praised his call with Trump as “supportive” in an interview with The Wall Street Journal on Monday, a source familiar with the call previously told The Hill that Trump suggested the Buckeye State lawmaker should drop out.

The House Ethics Committee on Tuesday announced it was launching a probe into Miller, shortly after he said he would file his own paperwork to have the panel investigate him.

Miller has denied the allegations and said he does not intend to step aside, having insisted that he will not drop out of his reelection race ahead of a Wednesday deadline to file to appear on the ballot.