An Ohio lawmaker is denying allegations that he assaulted his ex-wife amid a custody dispute while confronting her father, Senator Bernie Moreno, on social media.
"It is unfortunate that Bernie Moreno continues to fund and enable his daughter's malicious campaign to ruin my life despite his knowledge of her mental health issues," Representative Max Miller wrote on X early Friday. "Bernie, this must be distracting from your job. These antics harm your own grandchild. Anytime you want to put a stop to this, you can."
Miller, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, made the post shortly after photos surfaced purportedly showing the aftermath of an attack on Emily Moreno during a custody exchange involving their 2-year-old daughter at an Ohio home in February.
Newsweek reached out to Bernie Moreno's office for comment. Attempts to reach Emily Moreno, who works as deputy director of state action at America First Policy Institute, a Washington-based conservative think tank, were unsuccessful on Friday.
The Daily Mail reported that Miller, 37, allegedly struck Emily Moreno, 32, during a February 1 incident, leaving bruises on her arm, elbow and torso. The outlet published selfies Moreno took to document her injuries.
The former couple, who separated in 2024, divorced in 2025 and agreed on the joint custody of their daughter. Miller also agreed to pay $2,500 per month in child support, according to the Daily Mail.
A spokesman for Miller referred Newsweek to a Thursday evening X post from the congressman when asked for a response to the abuse allegations.
"Once again, the media refuses to tell the truth," Miller wrote. "Let me be clear. The recent article by the Daily Mail is nothing but lies."
Miller said he supplied information to refute Emily Moreno's claims. He also posted screenshots of purported exchanges with a Daily Mail reporter, as well as a video he claims shows Moreno leaving home on February 1 without incident.
Police in Bay Village, Ohio, confirmed Friday that an investigation involving suspected child abuse had been received on February 23 involving the former couple.
"Nothing further will be released at this time," records clerk Chris Ross told Newsweek in a message.
Miller, who took office in January 2023, is the most recent elected official to publicly defend himself against serious accusations following last month's high-profile resignations of California Representative Eric Swalwell and Texas Representative Tony Gonzales amid sexual misconduct allegations. The exits marked one of the most visible accountability moments since the height of the #MeToo movement in late 2017.
Prior to joining Congress, Miller served as a "senior advisor" to Trump and spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserves, according to his House website, which still identifies Emily Moreno as his wife.
Miller also spoke directly to anyone "going through a divorce" in a subsequent X post late Thursday.
"I see you," he wrote. "I understand what you are going through. You are not alone in dealing with things like this. Keep your head up, and remember the truth will always come out eventually."