Trump backs Ohio GOP candidate amid controversy over campaign ad
President Donald Trump defended Vivek Ramaswamy's Ohio gubernatorial ad that features the opponent's estranged mother, while the campaign faces criticism and a response from Democratic candidate Amy Acton.
President Donald Trump publicly supported Ohio Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy after the campaign released a television advertisement featuring the estranged mother of Democratic opponent Amy Acton. In a Truth Social post, Trump said he wished more opponents' mothers would speak out and praised the ad as effective, adding that the press was trying to portray it negatively.
Democratic candidate Amy Acton responded on Facebook, detailing her difficult childhood in Youngstown, including periods of homelessness, abuse, and involvement with child protective services. She criticized the ad as an exploitation of her personal history for political gain.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) denounced Ramaswamy on the social platform X, calling him a "malignant clown" and urging Republicans to withdraw support and vote for Acton.
The Ramaswamy campaign did not immediately comment on the controversy. The incident occurs as Trump continues a series of campaign stops aimed at boosting Republican candidates ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.