Former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham has filed for a restraining order against Rep. Max Miller (R-OH), taking a legal battle and political mess that is already threatening his reelection campaign to a whole new level. Grisham, who served as the press secretary during President Donald Trump’s first term in the White House, previously accused Miller of abusing her during their relationship.
Grisham filed a lawsuit against Miller in July, alleging that he violated their nondisclosure agreement during an interview he did with Spectrum News. The reason for Grisham seeking a restraining order is not known at the time of this writing. Mark Zaid, her lawyer, did not respond to a request for comment concerning the situation.
Miller and Grisham dated during the first Trump administration. At that time, Miller worked as a special assistant to the president. Grisham wrote in her 2021 memoir, “I’ll Take Your Questions Now,” leveled accusations at an unnamed former boyfriend of physically abusing her while they dated. Later on, Grisham came out and identified Miller as the unnamed individual.
According to a report from Trending Politics News, Miller sued Grisham over the allegations of physical abuse after the book came out and she identified him as her abuser. However, the suit was settled in August 2023, just a few short weeks before it was scheduled to go to trial. In the interview that is at the center of the former press secretary’s latest lawsuit, Miller made a reference to abuse allegations that have been made by Grisham and his ex-wife, Emily Moreno.
“Without question, every allegation should be taken seriously,” he said in the interview with Spectrum News. “What should be noted is that allegation came out on the same day as somebody’s book launch. And the other part, what I would like to discuss, is my ex-wife was with me every single day during that time of my life … and she, in her own words, will tell you that I never did any of those things.”
News of the restraining order couldn’t come at a worse time for Miller, who is already under immense pressure from within the Republican Party. Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Miller’s former father-in-law, called for the embattled congressman to resign from his seat, saying he needs psychological help in a post shared on X.
“Out of concern for the safety of my family, I hoped to keep this matter private, but Max Miller’s increasingly erratic and dangerous behavior has made that impossible,” Moreno said in the post. “He is a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter. If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them.”
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Miller married Sen. Moreno’s daughter, Emily, in 2022 at Trump National Golf Club located in Bedminster, New Jersey. Miller filed for divorce from his wife in August 2024, on the same day as their second wedding anniversary. The couple shares custody of a 2-year-old little girl, though Moreno is currently seeking full custody.
According to court documents, Moreno has alleged that Miller pushed her, dumped scalding water on her that left burn marks, and put a gun to her head. The Ohio congressman has denied those allegations. President Trump issued a response to the allegations against him, but did not issue a call for him to drop out of the race.
“It’s a very sad thing. I know Max. He’s a good person. I’m going to let the families figure that out. But it’s accusations, and I’m gonna let them figure that out.” Miller released a bunch of records stating that they would ultimately clear his name. However, the release included some audio where he admits to dumping hot water on his ex-wife in 2024, along with audio of her accusing him of abusing drugs.
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