WASHINGTON D.C. – Representative Max Miller (R-OH) is facing intensified scrutiny over allegations of drug use following the publication of new photographs by The Daily Mail on Tuesday. These images surfaced amidst an ongoing public and legal dispute between Miller and his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, who previously accused the congressman of having a drug problem.
"I know Max, he’s a good person, I always thought he was a very good person. I’m going to let the families figure it out. It’s a very sad thing. It’s accusations. And I’m going to let them figure it out." — President Donald Trump.
The Daily Mail reported it obtained several previously unpublished images, which it states were taken during Miller's relationship with Moreno. One photograph reportedly shows a syringe inside a bedroom, which a source cited by the publication identified as being within the home the couple once shared. This image emerged shortly after Miller released recordings of private conversations, which he presented as evidence to counter Moreno's earlier allegations of domestic abuse. In one of those recordings, Moreno specifically accused Miller of drug use, stating, "First it was weed, then I found needles next to your bed." She further claimed, "I took a picture of it. You can try to deny it to me," and identified the alleged discovery as "a huge impetus" for her decision to leave the marriage.
In the recorded exchange, Miller explicitly denied Moreno's accusation regarding the syringe. "It’s not a thing. And you didn’t find it next to a bed… It’s not mine. I can tell you 1,000 percent I’ve never had a needle in my bedroom drawer," Miller stated. The Daily Mail, however, noted that the photograph itself does not definitively establish the contents of the syringe, its intended use, its ownership, or its precise location. In separate recordings also released by Miller, the congressman acknowledged undergoing testosterone replacement therapy, adding that he had been open about this treatment with Moreno.
Further images published by The Daily Mail include one purportedly showing Miller holding a package of cannabis gummies. The gummies were labeled as containing 2,400 milligrams of THC across 16 individual pieces, meaning each gummy would contain 150 milligrams of THC. This concentration significantly exceeds California's 10-milligram limit for individual recreational edible servings. The publication clarified that there is no indication that Miller consumed these gummies or that they belonged to him. A third photograph reportedly shows a business card for a Washington, D.C.-based cannabis delivery service positioned alongside personal belongings identified by a source as belonging to Miller.
These developments come just days before an August 5 deadline for Representative Miller to potentially withdraw from his reelection campaign. The controversy has attracted significant political attention, particularly given Emily Moreno's familial ties. She is the daughter of Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno (R), who recently publicly called for his former son-in-law to resign from Congress. In a statement posted on X, Senator Moreno asserted that Miller "should not serve in the House of Representatives" and characterized him as a danger to his daughter.
President Donald Trump, who has previously endorsed Representative Miller, was questioned this week about the allegations. President Trump described the situation as "a very sad thing" and underscored that the claims remain unproven accusations. "I know Max, he’s a good person, I always thought he was a very good person," President Trump commented. "I’m going to let the families figure it out. It’s a very sad thing. It’s accusations. And I’m going to let them figure it out."
Despite the mounting pressure and public accusations, Representative Miller has consistently denied all allegations of domestic abuse and drug use. He has not been charged with any crime related to these claims. Miller has also vowed to continue his reelection bid, communicating to supporters in a live video that he has no intentions of withdrawing from the race and reiterated his denial of abusing either his former wife or their daughter. The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of personal allegations impacting political careers, especially during an election cycle.
