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Max Miller (politician)

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Max Miller
Official portrait, 2023
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Ohio's 7th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 3, 2023
Preceded byBob Gibbs
Personal details
Born
Max Leonard Miller

(1988-11-13) November 13, 1988 (age 36)
Shaker Heights, Ohio, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
Spouse
Emily Moreno
​
​
(m. 2022; sep. 2024)​
Children1
RelativesSam Miller (grandfather)
Aaron David Miller (uncle)
Bernie Moreno (father-in-law)
EducationUniversity of Arizona
Cleveland State University (BA)
WebsiteHouse website
Military service
Branch/serviceUnited States Marine Corps
Years of service2013–2019
RankCorporal
UnitUnited States Marine Corps Reserve

Max Leonard Miller (born November 13, 1988)[1] is an American Republican politician and former aide to Donald Trump.[2] A member of the U.S. House of Representatives, he has been the U.S. representative for Ohio's 7th congressional district since 2023.[3]

Early life and education

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Miller is the grandson of Samuel H. Miller, the former co-chair emeritus of Forest City Realty Trust, and son of Abe and Barb Miller.[4] His grandmother, Ruth Miller, was a candidate for Ohio's 22nd congressional district in 1980. His uncle is Aaron David Miller, a scholar of Middle East studies.[5]

Miller grew up in Northeast Ohio and graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 2007. He is Jewish.[6][7] He attended the University of Arizona before transferring to Cleveland State University, from which he received his bachelor's degree in 2013.[2]

Early career

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Miller worked at a Lululemon store in Ohio before joining the Marine Reserve in 2013. He was a corporal and made no deployments. In 2019, he was transferred from the Selected Marine Corps Reserve to the Individual Ready Reserve.[2]

Trump administration

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After initially working for Marco Rubio's campaign for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination,[2] Miller left the campaign in February 2016 and joined Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. After working as a Trump campaign aide, Miller became a political appointee in the Trump administration.[7] He was a confidential assistant in the United States Department of the Treasury in 2017, then a lead advance representative in the White House Office,[2][8][9] and then associate director of the Presidential Personnel Office and special assistant to the president.[7][2] In June 2020, Miller was among the aides who accompanied Trump on his photo op at St. John's Church; a month later, he was appointed "deputy campaign manager for presidential operations" on Trump's reelection campaign.[2] A favorite of Trump, Miller praised him as "the greatest POTUS this country has ever had."[2] He helped organize the 2020 Republican convention, and was a Trump negotiator for the presidential debates.[2]

In 2018, Miller was one of several Trump administration officials scrutinized for their inexperience and lack of qualifications.[7] Miller's LinkedIn page falsely claimed that he was a Marine recruiter and that he had graduated from college in 2011 rather than in 2013.[7][2] After The Washington Post raised questions about his biography, Miller removed the claims and called them mistakes made by a relative, who he said made the LinkedIn page on his behalf.[7][2]

Miller was appointed to the Holocaust Memorial Council by President Trump in December 2020.[10]

In 2020 and 2021, Miller promoted Trump's false claim that the 2020 presidential election was "rigged".[11] In June 2021, referring to a pro-Trump mob's attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, Miller told The Washington Times, "What happened on January 6 was not an insurrection."[11] In 2021, Trump appointed Miller to be one of 55 members of the board of trustees for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, an unpaid, part-time position.[11][12] In mid-December 2021, Miller was one of six people the January 6 committee subpoenaed to produce documents relating to the rally preceding the Capitol attack and deposed in January 2022.[13]

U.S. House of Representatives

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Elections

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2022

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Main article: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Ohio § District 7

In February 2021, Miller launched a campaign for Congress in the redrawn 7th district. The district overlapped with what had previously been the 16th, represented by two-term Republican Anthony Gonzalez. Miller was initially set to face Gonzalez in the Republican primary, but Gonzalez announced in September 2021 that he would not seek reelection to a third term, denouncing Trump as a "cancer for the country" and citing the likelihood of a "brutally hard primary" against Miller, family considerations, and a wave of threats against him.[14][15] Miller ran after Gonzalez voted to impeach Trump for incitement of insurrection, arising from the January 6 United States Capitol attack.[16][17] Miller moved back to Ohio, purchasing a home in Rocky River, in order to challenge Gonzalez.[18]

In June 2021, in his first rally since the January 6 attack, Trump appeared in Wellington, Ohio, with Miller; he praised Miller in a 90-minute rally in which he addressed many topics, including his falsehoods about the 2020 election.[19]

Miller won the May 3 Republican primary for Ohio's 7th congressional district with 71.8% of the vote.[20]

After announcing his candidacy, Miller was endorsed by Trump and the Club for Growth.[21][22][23] He also received support from Ohio Right to Life,[24] and Congressman Jim Banks. He defeated Democratic nominee Matthew Diemer in the November 8 general election.[25]

Tenure

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Miller with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine, February 21, 2022
Miller (left) with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel, November 12, 2023

As of 2024, Miller and David Kustoff are the only Jewish members of the Republican Party in Congress.[26] Miller was elected by other incoming Republicans to represent them on the steering committee, which determines what committees members sit on.[27]

On January 31, 2023, Miller introduced a resolution to remove Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee. The resolution passed two days later.[28]

On November 30, 2023, Miller sent a letter to his congressional colleagues supporting the expulsion of George Santos, alleging that Santos defrauded him and his mother by making charges to their personal credit cards without approval "for [campaign] contribution amounts that exceeded FEC limits." Miller said that this situation had cost him "tens of thousands of dollars" in legal fees.[29] Miller brought these accusations directly to Santos in House session, calling him a "crook"; in response Santos accused Miller of hypocrisy and domestic violence.[30]

After the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas in southern Israel, Miller criticized Rashida Tlaib for displaying a Palestinian flag outside her office, saying: "I don't even want to call it the Palestinian flag because they're not a state, they're a territory, that's about to probably get eviscerated and go away here shortly, as we're going to turn that into a parking lot."[31][32] Miller further stated there should be no "rules of engagement" in the Israeli assault on Gaza.[33]

In January 2024, Miller was appointed to the Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State.[34][35]

In May 2024, Miller co-sponsored a bill to extend US military benefits to American citizens in the Israel Defense Forces, including Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act of 1994.[36]

Caucus memberships

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Committee and subcommittee assignments

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Commission appointments

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  • Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State[34][35]

Personal life

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Miller is Jewish.[6] He was accused of espousing anti-Christian sentiment in 2023 after he attacked Elizabeth Marbach, the communications director of Ohio Right to Life for a religious-based tweet, stating "This is one of the most bigoted tweets I have ever seen."[38] Marbach was fired shortly thereafter, and it was later revealed Miller's then-wife was on the board of directors of the organization, which led to some suggesting she may have had a role in Marbach's firing, although the organization denied such.[39] After being fired, Marbach was defended by Minnesota Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar.[40] Miller later publicly apologized for his remarks.[41]

Relationships

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Miller dated Trump White House aide Stephanie Grisham from 2019 to 2020.[2] In October 2021, Grisham said that Miller had been physically abusive to her, cheated on her, and lied to her. Miller filed a defamation lawsuit against her.[42] He voluntarily dismissed the case with prejudice in August 2023.[43]

Miller became engaged in 2021 to Emily Moreno, daughter of Bernie Moreno.[2] They married in August 2022 at the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in New Jersey. The couple has a daughter who was born in November 2023. In August 2024, on the couple's second wedding anniversary, Miller filed for divorce.[44][45]

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Miller pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges in 2007 after being charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest; the charges were later dismissed as part of a diversion program.[7]

In 2009, he was charged with underage drinking; after he pleaded no contest, that charge was dismissed under a first-time offenders' program.[7][2]

In 2010, Miller pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct stemming from a late-night physical altercation in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.[7][2]

In 2011, he was charged with "operating a vehicle without reasonable control" and operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) after crashing his Jeep Grand Cherokee, and told officers that he had had "two to three beers and several shots" the night before and "woke up in urine-soaked pants".[2] Miller pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and failure to control.[2] In 2018 and 2021, he called the events "youthful mistakes".[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ohio New Members 2023". The Hill. November 17, 2022. Retrieved November 18, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Kruse, Michael (July 28, 2021). "'He's a Great Guy': Trump's Favored Aide Has Troubled Past". Politico Magazine.
  3. ^ Rogers, Kaleigh (November 1, 2022). "Meet The Midterm Candidates Who Attended The Jan. 6 Rally". FiveThirtyEight. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  4. ^ Kampeas, Ron (December 12, 2021). "Max Miller, a Jewish former Trump aide, was headed for a House seat in Ohio. Then his district disappeared". The Forward. Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  5. ^ Jacob, Bob (March 10, 2019). "Sam Miller recalled as icon who touched lives everywhere". Cleveland Jewish News. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  6. ^ a b Raspe, Becky (February 22, 2021). "Miller, former White House aide, considering run for US House". Cleveland Jewish News. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j O'Harrow, Robert Jr.; Boburg, Shawn (March 30, 2018). "Behind the chaos: Office that vets Trump appointees plagued by inexperience". The Washington Post.
  8. ^ "Trump Town: Max L. Miller". ProPublica. March 7, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  9. ^ Steakin, Will; Cathey, Libby (March 25, 2021). "Trump looks to boost former administration officials in 2022 midterms". ABC News. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  10. ^ "President Trump to Appoint New Council Members — United States Holocaust Memorial Museum". United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (Press release). December 15, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  11. ^ a b c Rood, Justin (August 12, 2021). "On U.S. Holocaust Museum board, some members backed Trump's 'Big Lie' of stolen election". Insider.
  12. ^ Carey, Tyler (February 26, 2021). "Former President Trump endorses ex-aide Max Miller in GOP primary race against Northeast Ohio Rep. Anthony Gonzalez". WYKC.
  13. ^ "Select Committee Subpoenas Individuals Involved in Planning January 5th and January 6th Rallies Preceding Violent Attack on the U.S. Capitol". United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack (Press release). December 10, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  14. ^ Martin, Jonathan (September 16, 2021). "Ohio House Republican, Calling Trump 'a Cancer,' Bows Out of 2022". The New York Times.
  15. ^ Gomez, Henry J. (September 17, 2021). "Ohio Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, a Republican who voted to impeach Trump, won't seek re-election". NBC News.
  16. ^ Eaton, Sabrina (February 26, 2021). "Former Donald Trump aide Max Miller announces GOP primary bid against U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez claiming endorsement from Trump". Cleveland.com. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  17. ^ Carey, Tyler (February 26, 2021). "Former President Trump endorses ex-aide Max Miller in GOP primary race against Northeast Ohio Rep. Anthony Gonzalez". WKYC. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  18. ^ Tobias, Andrew J. (November 23, 2021). "Trump-backed Max Miller could get new Republican opponent in redrawn 13th Congressional District in Ohio". Cleveland.com.
  19. ^ Peters, Jeremy W. (June 6, 2021). "Trump, Seeking to Maintain G.O.P. Sway, Holds First Rally Since Jan. 6". The New York Times.
  20. ^ "Ohio House District 7 Republican Primary Election Results and Maps 2022 | CNN Politics". CNN. October 13, 2022. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  21. ^ Kruse, Michael (April 23, 2021). "Why Is Trump Going to War Here?". Politico. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
  22. ^ Isenstadt, Alex (March 22, 2021). "Club for Growth takes aim at impeachment backers Cheney, Anthony Gonzalez". Politico. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  23. ^ Zanona, Melanie; Mutnick, Ally (March 4, 2021). "The one place House Republicans want to be Trump-free". Politico.
  24. ^ "Ohio Right to Life Announces Congressional Endorsements". Ohio Right to Life (Press release). April 7, 2022. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
  25. ^ "Ohio Seventh Congressional District Election Results". The New York Times. November 8, 2022. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 25, 2022.
  26. ^ Diamant, Jeff (January 3, 2023). "Faith on the Hill". Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  27. ^ Popielarz, Taylor (January 19, 2023). "New Ohio Rep. Max Miller's first impressions of Congress". Spectrum News. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
  28. ^ "H.Res.76 - Removing a certain Member from a certain standing committee of the House". Congress.gov. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  29. ^ Kaplan, Rebecca; Mimms, Sarah; Gibson, Ginger (December 1, 2023). "Republican congressman says George Santos defrauded him and his mother". NBC News. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  30. ^ Griffing, Alex (November 30, 2023). "George Santos Wrecks Republican Colleague Who Called Him a Crook: 'Accused of Being a Woman Beater'". Mediaite. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  31. ^ Lapin, Andrew (August 20, 2023). "From grief to rage, American Jews are struggling with how to feel about the conflict in Israel". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  32. ^ Tsui, Karina (October 27, 2023). "Rep. Ilhan Omar slams GOP lawmaker for saying Palestine will 'get eviscerated' into a 'parking lot'". Semafor. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  33. ^ McGreal, Chris (August 19, 2023). "US right heats up inflammatory rhetoric on Palestine as Muslim groups worry". The Guardian. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
  34. ^ a b "U.S. Congressman Max Miller Appointed to Commission on Reform and Modernization of the Department of State". Max Miller (Press release). January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  35. ^ a b "APPOINTMENT OF MEMBER AND INDIVIDUAL TO COMMISSION ON REFORM AND MODERNIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE". Congressional Record. 170 (14). January 25, 2024.
  36. ^ Eaton, Sabrina (May 22, 2024). "Rep. Max Miller wants to extend some U.S. service member protections to Americans in Israel's defense forces". Cleveland.com. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  37. ^ a b "About". Max Miller. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
  38. ^ Enloe, Chris (August 18, 2023). "Pro-life group fires employee whom GOP lawmaker rebuked for pro-Jesus social media post — but she has no regrets". The Blaze. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  39. ^ Foley, Ryan (August 24, 2023). "Ohio Right to Life staffer says she was fired for refusing to 'bend the knee to political correctness'". The Christian Post. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  40. ^ Metzger, Bryan (August 16, 2023). "Ilhan Omar defends anti-abortion activist for posting about Jesus after GOP congressman called her 'bigoted'". Business Insider. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  41. ^ "Jewish congressman apologizes after calling Christian's tweet 'bigoted'". Jewish News Service. August 22, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  42. ^ Shaffer, Cory (October 6, 2021). "Ex-Trump staffer Max Miller files defamation lawsuit against Stephanie Grisham over abuse allegations". Cleveland.com.
  43. ^ Eaton, Sabrina (August 31, 2023). "Rep. Max Miller ends defamation suit against former WH spox Stephanie Grisham". Cleveland.com. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  44. ^ Pelzer, Jeremy; Daprile, Lucas (August 29, 2024). "Ohio Congressman Max Miller, ex-Cuyahoga GOP Chair Emily Moreno Miller file for divorce". Cleveland.com. Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
  45. ^ Eaton, Sabrina (October 2, 2024). "U.S. Rep. Max Miller seeks financial information and psychological tests from wife in divorce". Cleveland.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2024. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
[edit]
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Ohio's 7th congressional district
2023–present 		Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by United States representatives by seniority
399th 		Succeeded by
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