¶ Overview
- Former OH-16 Republican Congressman Anthony Gonzales voted to impeach Trump for his attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Gonzales knew voting for impeachment would have negative impacts on his political career but voted for it anyway.
- Shortly after, Trump endorsed Miller’s campaign for congress in Gonzales’ district making Miller the first of many “revenge endorsements.”
- At the end of 2021, Miller was subpoenaed by the House select committee that investigated the January 6th riot at the US Capitol to testify regarding his involvement in planning the rally on January 6th. Miller complied but called the House select committee a “partisan committee that has weaponized its powers against innocent Americans.”
¶ Miller, Who Helped Plan The January 6th Rally, Was One Of Trump’s First Revenge Endorsements When Miller Challenged The OH-16 Republican Congressman Who Voted For Impeachment
¶ JANUARY 13, 2021: THE REPRESENTATIVE OF OHIO’S SIXTEENTH DISTRICT, REPUBLICAN ANTHONY GONZALES, VOTED TO IMPEACH TRUMP FOR ORGANIZING AND INCITING A MOB THAT ATTACKED THE US CAPITOL
Former OH-16 Congressman Anthony Gonzalez Voted To Impeach Trump Because He Considered The Attack On The Capitol On January 6th, “An Unconstitutional Attempt By A Sitting President To Overthrow An Election And Re-Install Himself As President.” According to NBC News, “Rep. Anthony Gonzalez isn't surprised that his political career is on the line after he and nine other Republicans voted to impeach Donald Trump last month for his role in the U.S. Capitol riot. [...] Then Gonzalez voted to accept Pennsylvania's and Arizona's electors after the Capitol riot and voted to impeach Trump days later, saying in a statement that Trump ‘helped organize and incite a mob that attacked the United States Congress’ and ‘abandoned his post’ during the riot. Gonzalez said he weighed Trump's efforts to overturn the election after the Electoral College certification in December and the ‘Stop the Steal’ rally, as well as his comments and his actions — or inaction — when the Capitol was being attacked. ‘I consider it an unconstitutional attempt by a sitting president to overthrow an election and re-install himself as president,’ Gonzalez said. ‘That's the sort of thing that happens in Third World countries. That's the sort of thing that we, all Americans, should passionately object to.’ If anything pushed him firmly into the pro-impeachment camp, it was Trump's conduct once the assault began. Trump, he said, had a responsibility to end the violence ‘as quickly as humanly possible.’ Instead, it took hours ‘before we got any kind of response from the president to calm the situation down.’” [NBC News, 2/4/21]
¶ Gonzalez Acknowledged That His Vote To Impeach Trump Would Be Unpopular And Was Likely Going To Heavily Damage His Political Career
Gonzalez Knew Voting To Impeach Trump Would Be An Unpopular Decision And Said, “I Understand What This Vote Means And What It Could Potentially Mean For My Political Career.” According to NBC News, “He faces a backlash like the other Republicans who voted to impeach — censure from local or state parties, potential or already announced primary challengers and pushback from national Republicans close to Trump. On the more extreme side, Gonzalez said, he has been in touch with local law enforcement officials and the FBI about his family's safety. [...] ‘I'm not an idiot,’ Gonzalez said. ‘I understand what this vote means and what it could potentially mean for my political career. I had to ask myself, in this moment, what do I believe happened?’ he added. ‘And what do I believe the right vote is, not just in this moment, but for all of American history? Twenty years from now, 30 years from now, 50 years from now, what are people going to say about Jan. 6th?’” [NBC News, 2/4/21]
February 4, 2021: NBC News Noted That Gonzalez Would Face “Backlash Like The Other Republicans Who Voted To Impeach — Censure From Local Or State Parties, Potential Or Already Announced Primary Challengers And Pushback From National Republicans Close To Trump.” According to NBC News, “He faces a backlash like the other Republicans who voted to impeach — censure from local or state parties, potential or already announced primary challengers and pushback from national Republicans close to Trump. On the more extreme side, Gonzalez said, he has been in touch with local law enforcement officials and the FBI about his family's safety. [...] ‘I'm not an idiot,’ Gonzalez said. ‘I understand what this vote means and what it could potentially mean for my political career. I had to ask myself, in this moment, what do I believe happened?’ he added. ‘And what do I believe the right vote is, not just in this moment, but for all of American history? Twenty years from now, 30 years from now, 50 years from now, what are people going to say about Jan. 6th?’” [NBC News, 2/4/21]
¶ FEBRUARY 26, 2021: TRUMP ENDORSED MAX MILLER’S CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR OHIO’S 16TH DISTRICT AND DISOWNED THE SEAT’S REPRESENTATIVE, ANTHONY GONZALEZ
February 26, 2021: Trump Said Miller Had His “Complete And Total Endorsement” For Congress. According to Miller’s Twitter, “I am honored to be endorsed by President Donald J. Trump as I begin my campaign for Congress. I will never back down and will never betray my constituents. Join us. We will save America together. Read President Trump's statement below! 👇 http://votemaxmiller.com.”
[Tweet, @MaxMillerOH, 2/26/21]
- In Trump’s Endorsement Of Miller, He Claimed Gonzalez Did Not Represent The Interests Of The People Of Ohio’s 16th District Or Their Hearts. According to the Washington Examiner, "Former President Donald Trump is out with his first revenge endorsement of a primary challenger to a Republican who voted to impeach him. Max Miller, a 32-year-old former White House adviser to Trump, began a campaign on Friday to challenge incumbent Ohio Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, a former professional football player in his second term. ‘Max Miller is a wonderful person who did a great job at the White House and will be a fantastic Congressman. He is a Marine Veteran, a son of Ohio, and a true PATRIOT,’ Trump said in a statement on Friday. ‘Current Rep. Anthony Gonzalez should not be representing the people of the 16th district because he does not represent their interest or their heart. Max Miller has my Complete and Total Endorsement!’ Gonzalez, 36, was one of 10 House Republicans who voted in favor of the ‘incitement of insurrection’ article of impeachment following the Jan. 6 breach of the Capitol. Trump was acquitted by the Senate earlier this month for the second time." [Washington Examiner, 2/26/21]
- Miller Was Described As Trump’s “First Revenge Endorsement” Of The 2022 Republican Primary Cycle. According to the Washington Examiner, "Former President Donald Trump is out with his first revenge endorsement of a primary challenger to a Republican who voted to impeach him. Max Miller, a 32-year-old former White House adviser to Trump, began a campaign on Friday to challenge incumbent Ohio Rep. Anthony Gonzalez, a former professional football player in his second term. ‘Max Miller is a wonderful person who did a great job at the White House and will be a fantastic Congressman. He is a Marine Veteran, a son of Ohio, and a true PATRIOT,’ Trump said in a statement on Friday. ‘Current Rep. Anthony Gonzalez should not be representing the people of the 16th district because he does not represent their interest or their heart. Max Miller has my Complete and Total Endorsement!’ Gonzalez, 36, was one of 10 House Republicans who voted in favor of the ‘incitement of insurrection’ article of impeachment following the Jan. 6 breach of the Capitol. Trump was acquitted by the Senate earlier this month for the second time." [Washington Examiner, 2/26/21]
¶ SEPTEMBER 16, 2021: GONZALEZ ANNOUNCED HIS RETIREMENT AND THUS DROPPED OUT OF THE PRIMARY RACE AGAINST MILLER
September 16, 2021: Incumbent Anthony Gonzalez Announced His Retirement And Cited “Toxic Dynamics Inside Our Own Party” As A Significant Factor In His Decision. According to Axios, "‘Ohio Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (R) announced his retirement on Thursday, declining to run against a Trump-backed primary challenger in 2022. Why it matters: Gonzalez has suffered politically since siding with House Democrats to impeach the 45th president after the Capitol riot. Details: The two-term congressman largely supported Trump's agenda — up until the former president tried to block the election certification, per the New York Times. Gonzalez is one of 10 House Republicans who voted for impeachment. The Ohio Republican Party censured Gonzalez and called on him to resign. Trump, who called Gonzalez a ‘sellout,’ endorsed GOP challenger and former White House aide Max Miller in February. What he's saying: ‘Please know that every word has meant the world to me and given me hope that the chaotic political environment that currently infects our country will only be temporary,’ Gonzalez said in announcing his retirement. ‘While my desire to build a fuller family life is at the heart of my decision, it is also true that the current state of our politics, especially many of the toxic dynamics inside our own party, is a significant factor in my decision,’ he added.” [Axios, 9/16/21]
¶ DECEMBER 10, 2021: MILLER WAS SUBPOENAED BY THE HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING THE JANUARY 6TH RIOT AT THE US CAPITOL
December 10, 2021: Miller Was Subpoenaed By The House Select Committee Investigating The January 6th Riot At The US Capitol Due To His Involvement In “Rally Planning Directly With Trump.” According to CNN Politics, "The House select committee investigating the January 6 riot at the US Capitol issued six additional subpoenas Friday, including one to former aide to former President Donald Trump and current Ohio congressional candidate Max Miller. The targets in this subpoena group were involved in the planning of the rallies on January 5 and 6 leading up to the violent attack, and the group includes individuals who coordinated the rally planning directly with Trump." [CNN Politics, 12/10/21]
¶ MILLER SAID HE WOULD ACCEPT THE SUBPOENA BUT CALLED THE HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING THE JANUARY 6TH RIOT AT THE US CAPITOL “PARTISAN”
Miller Said He Would Accept His Subpoena But Also Said “I Will Make Sure One Of My First Votes Is To Disband This Partisan Committee That Has Weaponized Its Powers Against Innocent Americans.” According to Miller’s Twitter, “"Upon taking office, I will make sure one of my first votes is to disband this partisan committee that has weaponized its powers against innocent Americans. Ohioans are tired of watching D.C.’s witch hunts and political theater while the country burns. ½ Sadly, it’s the only card the Democrats can play, because their policies are destroying our nation. I will accept service of this subpoena, but I will defend my rights just as I will defend the rights of my constituents when elected. 2/2 "
[Twitter, @MaxMillerOH, 12/9/21]
¶ DURING HIS TESTIMONY MILLER ACCUSED THE COMMITTEE OF PARTISAN MOTIVATIONS AND SAID HIS INVOLVEMENT IN PLANNING THE JANUARY 6TH RALLY WAS CONFINED TO ADVISING ON POTENTIAL SPEAKERS
During His Testimony Miller Accused The Committee Of Subpoenaing Him Because He Won His Election Against Anthony Gonzales And Said, “I Knocked Your Buddy Off The Block.” According to Cleveland.com, "Later in 2022, Miller announced he would challenge Gonzalez, the Rocky River Republican, after Gonzalez voted to impeach Trump over his role in the Jan. 6 riot. Gonzalez ended up opting not to run for reelection, and Miller won the Republican-leaning successor to Gonzalez’s district in November. In one terse exchange with committee members and staff, Miller referenced his election, saying he was being pursued by the committee because ‘I knocked your buddy off the block.’ " [Cleveland.com, 12/28/22]
Miller Said His Involvement In A Planning Meeting Was Confined To Recommending “That Trump Nix Four Potential Speakers For The January 6th Rally, All Of Whom Were Closely Involved With Lawsuits Advancing Trump’s Baseless Claims About The 2020 Presidential Election.” According to Cleveland.com, "The transcript shows that during the meeting, Miller told committee investigators he recommended that Trump nix four potential speakers for the January 6 rally, all of whom were closely involved with lawsuits advancing Trump’s baseless claims about the 2020 presidential election. […] Miller said he didn’t recall other details of the meeting, including what text messages he sent shortly afterward that documented some other potential speakers being discussed, including Republican lawmakers. Miller insisted he only remembered recommending against the four speakers, and also said he didn’t know anything about notes from another meeting attendee, Katrina Pierson, referencing discussion of activating the National Guard for the rally. Miller said he made a habit of strategically ‘zoning out’ when the subject matter in a particular meeting didn’t concern him directly. He said Meadows asked him to attend the meeting shortly before it happened with minimal preparation, and said he didn’t want to get too involved with the potential speaker roster. ‘There are some things going on in these meetings – and I’m sure that the congressman can confirm that – there’s some things you don’t want to know and don’t need to know,’ Miller said. Much of congressional investigators’ queries for Miller revolved around challenges event organizers had getting approval for the rally from career government officials. The concerns were granular, like White House staff’s desires for the White House to be visible from the stage. Government officials raised concerns about the location, which Miller said had to do with the site of the White House Christmas tree, which the White House didn’t want to be too close to the rally stage. Miller said he helped event planners accommodate the officials’ to get the event approved. " [Cleveland.com, 12/28/22]
- Aside From Discussing Speakers, Miller Said He Did Not Remember Much From The January 6th Rally Planning Meeting And Claimed He “Made A Habit Of Strategically ‘Zoning Out’ When The Subject Matter In A Particular Meeting Didn’t Concern Him Directly.” According to Cleveland.com, "The transcript shows that during the meeting, Miller told committee investigators he recommended that Trump nix four potential speakers for the January 6 rally, all of whom were closely involved with lawsuits advancing Trump’s baseless claims about the 2020 presidential election. […] Miller said he didn’t recall other details of the meeting, including what text messages he sent shortly afterward that documented some other potential speakers being discussed, including Republican lawmakers. Miller insisted he only remembered recommending against the four speakers, and also said he didn’t know anything about notes from another meeting attendee, Katrina Pierson, referencing discussion of activating the National Guard for the rally. Miller said he made a habit of strategically ‘zoning out’ when the subject matter in a particular meeting didn’t concern him directly. He said Meadows asked him to attend the meeting shortly before it happened with minimal preparation, and said he didn’t want to get too involved with the potential speaker roster. ‘There are some things going on in these meetings – and I’m sure that the congressman can confirm that – there’s some things you don’t want to know and don’t need to know,’ Miller said. Much of congressional investigators’ queries for Miller revolved around challenges event organizers had getting approval for the rally from career government officials. The concerns were granular, like White House staff’s desires for the White House to be visible from the stage. Government officials raised concerns about the location, which Miller said had to do with the site of the White House Christmas tree, which the White House didn’t want to be too close to the rally stage. Miller said he helped event planners accommodate the officials’ to get the event approved. " [Cleveland.com, 12/28/22]