GOP Rep Cory Mills doesn't deny dating 19-year-old while in Congress, faces multiple probes

Embattled GOP Rep Faces Uphill Primary Battle Amid Scandals

Florida Republican Representative Cory Mills is facing a tough reelection fight in Tuesday's primary, with mounting allegations and dwindling political support threatening his congressional career.

Key Developments

• Governor Ron DeSantis told reporters Friday that he does not support Mills's bid ahead of the state's primary elections.
• Florida Representatives Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos endorsed Ryan Elijah, a former television anchor, earlier this month.
• Donald Trump endorsed Mills in February but has remained silent on the race since then.

Polling Data

An August survey showed Mills holding only a six-point lead over Elijah, with 41 percent of Republican voters still undecided.

Allegations and Investigations

Over the past year, scrutiny has intensified on numerous allegations against Mills, including:

• Sexual misconduct
• Harassment
• Campaign finance violations
• Financial disclosure violations
• Accepting inappropriate gifts
• Multiple ethics violations

Mills has faced a months-long ethics probe and is reportedly under investigation by the Department of Justice.

Dating Controversy

Asked by Mother Jones about reports that he had dated a 19-year-old while serving in Congress, Mills responded:

"There's nothing illegal about two consenting adults dating. The obsession over a man's dating life is disturbing at best. I've been separated from my now ex-wife years prior to our divorce finalizing. Whether in office or as a private citizen, adults are entitled to date in their attempt to find their person. Sometimes you get lucky and find that immediately, but many are not so blessed. Feel free to run your new and slanderous hit piece."

Mills has resisted calls to resign. Florida Republicans will decide his fate in Tuesday's primary.

Trump Lashes Out at Female Reporter Over South Korea Question

President Donald Trump launched a tirade against a female CNN reporter Monday after she asked about his decision to significantly reduce military coordination with South Korea.

The Exchange

Trump was discussing his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a photo-op with a teenage lifeguard when CNN's Kristen Holmes asked whether Kim had requested the reduction in joint military exercises.

"Quiet, quiet, quiet! You're very disrespectful in front of this young man. Okay? Don't you find her disrespectful? Heh. He understands. Quiet!" Trump said.

When the reporter identified herself as being with CNN, Trump continued:

"Fake news. You're fake news. You're a loud—you're a loud, boisterous person. You're fake news. Be quiet. Be quiet. Be quiet! You're a fake reporter, and you report fake news."

Pattern of Behavior

Trump's outburst is the latest in a documented history of lashing out at female reporters. He has called female reporters "the worst" and "second-rate," telling them to "be quiet," that they "know nothing about nothing," and that he dislikes their "attitude."

His vitriol has intensified during his second term:

• In November, he told Bloomberg reporter Catherine Lucey "Quiet, Piggy!"
• Last month, he targeted CNN's Kaitlan Collins with transphobic remarks.

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