President Donald Trump reportedly gave Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) a blunt reality check on Monday, telling him that "things aren't looking good" for his reelection campaign. This private warning came just hours after Trump publicly described Miller as "a good person" amid domestic abuse allegations that Miller denies.

Trump's Private Warning vs. Public Praise

According to three people familiar with the conversation, Trump called Miller on Monday night and repeatedly stressed how difficult it would be for him to win another term. Miller, however, pushed back, saying he would stay in the race and citing internal polling that shows him in a solid position.

The contrast with Trump's earlier comments is stark. "I know Max, he's a good person, I mean I always thought he was a very good person," Trump said Monday. "And I'm going to let the families figure that out." He added, "It's accusations."

Abuse Allegations Put a Republican Seat at Risk

Miller's ex-wife, Emily Moreno, has accused him in court filings of physically abusing her and their young daughter. Miller denies the claims and has countersued for defamation. The situation escalated when Emily's father, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), called Miller "a danger" to his daughter and said he "should not serve in the House of Representatives."

This dispute is threatening a seat that Republicans had considered relatively safe, especially as the party defends its razor-thin House majority. Democrats need only a handful of gains to flip control, and they're watching this race closely.

Miller won Ohio's 7th Congressional District with just over 51% in 2024. Now, Democrats see an opening for union ironworker Brian Poindexter, who has the endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). The House Majority PAC said it's monitoring the race and that "nothing is off the table," while prediction markets favor Democrats to take the House.

Replacement Questions Grow Before Deadline

Miller has until Wednesday to withdraw and trigger a special election for his replacement. If he doesn't, Republicans could pick a substitute through a party committee and certify that candidate by Aug. 10, according to Axios.

Former Rep. Jim Renacci (R) has emerged as a serious potential replacement. He told Axios that "everybody" has been calling him and confirmed that polling is testing his viability, though he added, "I truly don't believe Max is leaving."

Miller himself insisted on Sunday, "I'm not getting out of this race, and I'm winning in November."

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