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Trump defends Ramaswamy's attack ad on Ohio rival Acton

Donald Trump has defended a controversial campaign advertisement by Republican Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy that features the estranged mother of his opponent, despite criticism from members of both parties.

23 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Trump defends Ramaswamy's attack ad on Ohio rival Acton — Archive photoPhoto: City Club of Cleveland · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 3.0

Vivek Ramaswamy, the Republican nominee for Ohio governor, has faced backlash over an advertisement featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent Amy Acton. The ad has drawn bipartisan criticism, with both Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Iowa Republican Senate candidate Ashley Hinson calling for Ramaswamy to stop airing it.

Trump responded to the controversy by defending the advertisement as powerful and encouraging Ramaswamy to continue running it. On his Truth Social network, Trump stated he had suggested Ramaswamy should keep airing the ad and called it a means to let Acton's mother explain her account.

Trump also attacked Acton directly in his post, using strong language to characterize her. He accused the media of orchestrating a coordinated effort to pressure Ramaswamy into withdrawing the advertisement, describing it as a well-coordinated attack.

Ohio Governor DeWine, a Republican, joined those calling for the ad's removal, indicating that senior figures within the party object to its content and approach. Hinson, competing in Iowa's Senate race, similarly expressed strong opposition to the advertisement despite her alignment with the Republican Party.

Trump dismissed the bipartisan criticism as part of what he characterized as media manipulation aimed at damaging Ramaswamy's electoral prospects. He defended the ad's continued broadcast as legitimate campaign communication.

The controversy highlights a division within Republican ranks over campaign tactics in Ohio's gubernatorial race, with Trump's backing of Ramaswamy and the advertisement standing at odds with positions taken by other prominent Republicans in the state and nationally.

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