As misconduct claims rise, Johnson emphasizes need for ethics reforms and supports embattled Rep. Max Miller
Category: Politics
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., faced a barrage of questions on May 15, 2026, concerning domestic abuse allegations against Rep. Max Miller, an Ohio Republican. Johnson stated, "he’s got to work that out," when pressed about the situation, highlighting the complexity of the matter within the Republican Party.
The allegations have surfaced during a turbulent time for Congress, which is grappling with a series of misconduct claims against lawmakers. Johnson's comments come as he also addresses the House Ethics Committee's heavy workload, which is under scrutiny for its handling of various misconduct allegations.
Miller, currently in his second term, is embroiled in a contentious divorce with his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, the daughter of Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno. The couple, who were married in 2022 at the Trump National Golf Club, welcomed a daughter in 2023, but their relationship has since soured, leading to a bitter legal battle. Miller has vehemently denied the abuse allegations, asserting that they are part of a defamation campaign against him. He has filed a lawsuit against Moreno, claiming her allegations have caused him "reputational and financial harm."
Earlier this month, the Daily Mail reported on the allegations, publishing photos that Moreno claims depict injuries sustained from Miller's abuse. In response, Miller took to X, stating, "The false allegations against me come midst a personal custody dispute and are simply an attempt to destroy my personal and professional reputation. I look forward to bringing the truth to light in court." His lawsuit, filed on May 13, 2026, accuses Moreno and her attorney of conducting a defamatory campaign by disseminating false information to multiple media outlets.
In a pointed exchange on May 8, Miller accused his former father-in-law, Bernie Moreno, of funding a campaign against him, saying, "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." Bernie Moreno has not publicly responded to these allegations.
Johnson's comments on the allegations come as the House Ethics Committee faces one of its busiest periods in years, with increasing pressure on Congress to demonstrate its capacity for self-regulation. The committee is currently investigating several lawmakers for various misconduct claims, including Reps. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) and Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), both of whom resigned last month under the weight of allegations.
Reps. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) and Cory Mills (R-Fla.) are also under investigation for sexual harassment and misconduct, with both denying any wrongdoing. In light of this surge in allegations, Ethics Chair Michael Guest has indicated that the committee requires additional resources to expedite its investigations. Johnson echoed these sentiments, stating, "There’s lots of allegations flying around, so we’ll make sure that they have everything they need to get the job done." He emphasized the need for the Ethics Committee to have the necessary tools to handle the increasing number of allegations effectively.
The current wave of allegations has raised broader questions about the age and health transparency of Congress members. On May 15, Johnson addressed the absence of Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-N.J.), who has not voted since March 5 due to a personal medical issue. Johnson remarked, "It’s a personal thing, and obviously I told him we’re praying for him," reinforcing his support for Kean’s potential re-election bid.
Meanwhile, Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL), aged 83, has not voted since April 17 due to eye surgery. Wilson, who has continued to work remotely, expressed that "work has not stopped for a single day." Her absence impacted a recent tied vote on limiting President Trump’s war powers with Iran, underscoring the potential consequences of lawmakers’ health issues on legislative outcomes.
Concerns about the age and health of Congress members are increasingly echoing with voters. An NPR/PBS/Marist poll released last week indicated that approximately 80% of Americans believe lawmakers are too old, with a similar percentage supporting age caps and term limits for congressional candidates. This growing sentiment reflects a broader concern about the capacity of aging lawmakers to effectively serve their constituents.
As the House Ethics Committee grapples with its heavy caseload, Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) announced a bipartisan initiative to reform how Congress handles misconduct allegations. The task force, led by Reps. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), is set to convene for its first meeting next Friday, aiming to implement reforms before the midterms.
Johnson's commitment to ensuring the Ethics Committee is adequately resourced reflects a recognition of the urgent need for improvement in how misconduct cases are managed. The bipartisan partnership aims to streamline processes and restore public confidence in Congress's ability to self-regulate.
As the situation continues to develop, the implications for Miller's political future and the integrity of the House remain uncertain. Johnson's support for Miller, coupled with the broader challenges facing the Ethics Committee, will undoubtedly shape the political narrative leading into the upcoming election season. With the midterms approaching, both parties are under pressure to demonstrate accountability and responsiveness to the concerns of their constituents.