Trump backs Ramaswamy ad featuring rival Amy Acton’s estranged mother

President Donald Trump has publicly supported Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial advertisement. The ad features Amy Acton, Ramaswamy's Democratic rival, and her estranged mother, Donna Arthur. Arthur disputes her daughter's account of childhood homelessness and sexual abuse, urging voters not to support Acton. Trump stated that such a mother's testimony would normally disqualify a daughter from office and criticized Ohio Governor Mike DeWine for advising Ramaswamy to remove the ad, calling DeWine "disloyal." DeWine, however, deemed the ad "wrong," citing his past experiences with rape victims. Acton's brother and campaign spokesperson have condemned the advertisement as a "desperate, disgusting attack" and "despicable."

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine criticized Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy for running an ad featuring Ramaswamy's estranged mother criticizing his Democratic rival, Amy Acton. DeWine called the ad "deeply troubling" and urged Ramaswamy to remove it, stating that family members are typically off-limits in political campaigns. Former President Donald Trump, however, rebuked DeWine, urging Ramaswamy to keep the ad running. Ramaswamy's campaign defended the ad, citing the use of Trump's family members in Democratic ads. Other Republican officials, including Senator Jon Husted and Secretary of State Frank LaRose, also expressed disapproval of the ad, though DeWine maintained his endorsement of Ramaswamy.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton has condemned an attack ad from her Republican opponent, Vivek Ramaswamy, which features Acton's estranged mother. The ad, which launched on Monday, includes Acton's mother, Donna Arthur, stating Acton "lied her entire life." The article notes the ad omits that Arthur's husband was charged with raping Acton during her childhood, leading to Acton and her brother being removed from Arthur's custody. Acton called the ad "despicable" and stated she would never attack an opponent's family. The ad has reportedly caused backlash, with outgoing Governor Mike DeWine describing it as "deeply troubling" and calling for its removal. Acton and Ramaswamy are candidates to replace DeWine in the upcoming midterm election.

US Vice-President JD Vance has defended a controversial attack ad by Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, urging fellow Republicans to stop criticizing it. The ad features Amy Acton, the Democratic candidate, and her estranged mother, Donna Arthur, who calls Acton a liar. The ad does not mention that Arthur's husband was charged with raping Acton when she was a child, a period after which Acton and her brother were removed from their mother's custody. Ramaswamy's campaign has claimed credit for the ad and pledged significant spending to air it. The ad has drawn bipartisan backlash, with some Republicans and Acton's brother condemning its use of her childhood trauma for political purposes. Vance stated his concern is with governing, not the ad itself, and expressed disgust at Republicans who are "whining" about it.

The family of Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton is criticizing Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy for featuring Acton's estranged mother in a campaign ad. The ad, circulating on social media, features Acton's mother, Donna Arthur, claiming her daughter has lied about her childhood. Acton's brother stated that his sister is estranged from her mother, who remained married to the man who sexually abused Acton as a child. Ramaswamy's campaign defended the ad, questioning Acton's truthfulness and citing her mother and others as warnings to voters. Democrats have condemned the ad as "despicable" and "disgusting," highlighting the contentious nature of the race.