Trump backs Ramaswamy ad featuring rival Amy Acton’s estranged mother
US President Donald Trump has publicly supported Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's decision to run a controversial attack ad featuring his opponent Amy Acton's estranged mother. The advertisement has drawn criticism from Republican Governor Mike DeWine and the Acton campaign.
Why it matters
The endorsement highlights internal Republican party divisions and the increasingly aggressive nature of political campaign tactics in the US.
Trump advises the Republican gubernatorial candidate to keep running the controversial advertisement.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks as President Donald Trump listens during an event at Butler High School in Vandalia, Ohio, on October 3, 2026 [Joshua A. Bickel/AP] By AP and Reuters Published On 23 Oct 2026 23 Oct 2026 US President Donald Trump has backed Republican Vivek Ramaswamy amid controversy over an attack advertisement by the Ohio gubernatorial candidate against his Democratic rival.
Trump said in a social media post on Thursday that Ramaswamy should keep running the advertisement that features Democratic candidate Amy Acton’s estranged mother.
In the advertisement, Donna Arthur, Acton’s mother, disputes her daughter’s account of a childhood involving homelessness and sexual abuse by her stepfather, urging Ohioans not to vote for her.
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