Trump and Ohio Governor Clash Over Ramaswamy’s Ad Targeting Amy Acton

Donald Trump criticized Ohio Governor Mike DeWine after he urged Vivek Ramaswamy to withdraw a controversial campaign ad targeting Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton.However, Trump defended the ad and urged Ramaswamy to keep it on the air.

The advertisement features Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who questions her daughter’s suitability to lead the state. DeWine has called the ad deeply troubling and argued that candidates should avoid targeting family members. However, Trump’s support for Ramaswamy has intensified the debate over political campaigning and the limits of personal attacks in Ohio’s closely watched gubernatorial race.

What Does Ramaswamy’s Controversial Advertisement Show?

Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign has committed $4 million to a television and digital advertising campaign across Ohio. The ad features Donna Arthur, the estranged biological mother of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton. In the video, Arthur calls her daughter a liar and questions her ability to lead Ohio. However, the advertisement leaves out key details about their family history. Acton has said that her stepfather sexually abused her when she was a child and that her mother remained with him. Court records show that authorities charged her stepfather with rape after Acton’s biological father reported the case. He left the area before the case went to trial and died in 2004.

Authorities removed Acton and her brother, Philip Stearns, from their mother’s custody. Stearns has publicly condemned the campaign’s use of their family history. Meanwhile, Acton’s campaign has strongly criticized the advertisement, calling it deeply offensive. The ad has also drawn criticism from prominent Ohio Republicans, highlighting divisions within the party over campaign tactics ahead of the November 3, 2026, election. The controversy has intensified debate over the use of sensitive family histories in political advertising.

Trump Defends Ramaswamy as Republican Leaders Split Over the Ad

President Donald Trump defended Vivek Ramaswamy’s controversial campaign advertisement on Truth Social on Thursday, October 22. He urged Ramaswamy to keep the ad on the air and accused Ohio Governor Mike DeWine of disloyalty to Republicans. Trump also suggested that DeWine wanted a Democrat to win the gubernatorial race. In addition, he praised the advertisement and repeated personal attacks against Democratic candidate Dr. Amy Acton. Ramaswamy’s campaign also defended its decision to run the ad. Spokesperson Connie Luck argued that Democrats had previously used Republicans’ family members in campaign advertisements. She also accused the media of applying a double standard. Vice President JD Vance backed Ramaswamy’s approach and criticized Republicans who focused on the ad’s tone rather than Democratic policies.

The dispute has deepened Republican divisions over personal attacks in campaign ads. Meanwhile, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s office has said it is reviewing complaints about the advertisement, including concerns about compliance with state election law.The growing backlash has turned the advertisement into a wider test of Republican unity, campaign ethics, and the limits of personal attacks ahead of Ohio’s November 3 gubernatorial election.

Web Resources On Trump Backs Ramaswamy as DeWine Slams Acton Ad

1. Guardian : Trump attacks Ohio governor over call for Ramaswamy to drop ‘deeply troubling’ ad.
2. ABC News : Trump defends controversial Ramaswamy ad as top Republicans call for taking it down.
3. BBC : ‘This is despicable’: Amy Acton responds to Ohio attack ad featuring her estranged mother.
4. CNN : Trump told Ramaswamy to thank God for ad featuring opponent Acton’s estranged mother.