Donald Trump Defends Vivek Ramaswamy's Controversial Ohio Campaign Ad
Donald Trump urged Vivek Ramaswamy to keep a controversial ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother, despite condemnation from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and other Republicans.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is facing bipartisan criticism for a $4 million advertising campaign in Ohio featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton. The advertisement shows Donna Arthur calling her daughter "a liar" and claiming she is unfit to lead the state. Acton described the ad as "exploitative" and "hideous," noting she has not seen her mother since age 12 following childhood sexual abuse by her mother's husband.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Senator Jon Husted condemned the ad, with DeWine calling it "deeply, deeply troubling" and urging its removal. Former Senator Rob Portman also stated the ad "crosses the line" and cited it as an example of increasing political incivility. Despite these objections, DeWine maintained his endorsement of Ramaswamy to support the Republican ticket ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Donald Trump rebuked DeWine's criticism, labeling the governor "disloyal to the Republican party" and urging Ramaswamy to keep the ad active. Trump characterized Acton as a "disaster" and suggested that the public should listen to the mother's claims. Vice President JD Vance dismissed the controversy, stating that politics is a "tough business."
