Trump warns Max Miller his campaign is in trouble after calling him a ‘good person’ publicly
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump's public and private messages to Rep. Max Miller appeared to differ this week as the Ohio Republican faced allegations from his former wife, according to Axios reporting.
While Trump publicly described Miller as a “good person” and said he would not call for his resignation, the president privately warned Miller that his reelection campaign could be in trouble. Trump reportedly told Miller, “Things aren’t looking good,” during a phone call on Monday night.
Trump privately warns Max Miller about reelection challenges
Publicly, Trump avoided calling for Miller to step down when asked about the controversy during remarks in the Oval Office.
Q: You were asked if Rep. Max Miller should resign from Congress over his abuse allegations, you said you'd have a look at it. Have you thought about that?
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) August 3, 2026
Trump: It's a very sad thing. I know Max. He's a good person. I'm gonna let the families figure that out. It's a very sad… pic.twitter.com/xEqZ820Zf3
Privately, however, Trump called Miller that same night and expressed concerns about his campaign, according to three sources familiar with the conversation.
The president reportedly told Miller that “things aren’t looking good” and repeatedly warned that his reelection effort would be difficult.
Miller, who has denied the allegations, reportedly told Trump he planned to remain in the race and said his own internal polling showed him in a strong position.
The private warning contrasted with Trump’s public comments, which stopped short of criticizing Miller or urging him to leave the race.
Max Miller faces allegations and Ohio ballot deadline
The controversy stems from allegations made by Miller’s ex-wife, Emily Moreno, the daughter of Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno.
Sen. Moreno has publicly called for Miller to resign, writing on social media that Miller “needs serious psychological help” and is “a danger” to his granddaughter.
The political pressure comes as Miller faces a key deadline in Ohio. He must withdraw from the ballot by Wednesday if state Republicans want enough time to schedule a special election to replace him. No withdrawal announcement has been made.
Miller has denied the allegations and continues to campaign for reelection.
Trump and Max Miller share years of political ties
According to Axios, Trump’s relationship with Miller goes back to Miller’s time as a White House aide during Trump’s first administration.
Miller married Emily Moreno in 2022 at Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Miller is now facing a competitive reelection contest, with Trump’s private warning suggesting concerns about the impact of the controversy on his campaign even as the president has publicly remained supportive.
