Trump Backs Ramaswamy's Ad Featuring Acton's Mother, Splits GOP

Donald Trump has defended a controversial campaign ad released by Ohio gubernatorial Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy that features the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton, calling her a liar. The ad, which Ramaswamy's campaign said it would spend $4 million to air across Ohio, has triggered sharp divisions within the Republican Party ahead of the 3 November midterm election.

According to Acton's account, she has not seen her mother, Donna Arthur, since age 12, when her mother lost custody after Arthur's husband was indicted for allegedly sexually abusing Acton. The ad does not disclose this context. Acton called the ad "despicable," while her brother Philip Stearns released a statement condemning it as a "despicable low." Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican who has nonetheless maintained his endorsement of Ramaswamy, described the ad as "deeply, deeply troubling" and urged its removal, stating that "family members have always historically been off limits."

Trump, who has endorsed Ramaswamy, took a different stance on 22 October. On Truth Social, he attacked DeWine as "disloyal to the Republican Party," praised Arthur for her "courage," and told Ramaswamy to "ride with it." At an Iowa rally that evening, Trump claimed Ramaswamy had called asking whether to remove the ad, and recalled telling him to keep it up. Trump stated he knew "nothing about" the backstory between Acton and her mother but argued the mother should be taken "seriously" regardless.

The backlash extends beyond DeWine. US Senator Jon Husted, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, and Iowa GOP Senate candidate Ashley Hinson all criticised the ad. Vice-President JD Vance dismissed concerns, telling reporters: "I'm a little bit disgusted when I see Republicans across the country who are whining more about that advertisement." Former senator Sherrod Brown, Acton's Democratic opponent, called the video "disgusting" and said all candidates should denounce it. Acton's campaign noted the stepfather fled the state before trial, was never prosecuted, and died in 2004.

The ad's initial release on social media lacked legally required disclaimers disclosing who paid for it, prompting Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose's office to review complaints. The Columbus Dispatch editorial board endorsed Acton after the ad aired, describing it as "revolting and unsettling." MK Pritzker, wife of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, announced a $500,000 donation to support Acton's campaign.