Trump defends Ramaswamy's controversial attack ad on rival Acton in Ohio gov race, 'very powerful'

President Donald Trump on Thursday defended Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy over an attack ad he released featuring his opponent's mother opposing her candidacy.

Ramaswamy's ad attracted backlash due to Democratic nominee Amy Acton's history with her mother. Donna Arthur appeared in the ad to say that Acton "lies about her past" and "needs help." But Acton hit back, posting a statement from her brother, who stated that their mother had lost custody of both, after her husband fled the state to avoid criminal charges for allegedly raping Acton when she was a child. Arthur remained married to her husband until he died.

While some Republicans have criticized the ad, both Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump have come to his defense. Trump on Thursday said that Democrats were manufacturing outrage over the issue to prevent Ramaswamy from airing an effective ad.

"Vivek Ramaswamy put up a very powerful Ad about a mother saying that her daughter, Amy Acton, who is running for Governor of Ohio, is a liar, and much worse," Trump posted on Truth Social. "The Press, in a concerted and well coordinated attack, is trying to get Vivek Ramaswamy to 'take down the Ad.' Frankly, anybody whose mother spoke about a daughter in that way would normally lead to the daughter being precluded from serving in Office, let alone the Office of Governor."

He then opined that the media would have done the opposite if a Democrat had aired an ad of his own mother attacking him. Trump went on to attack Republicans who have aired Ramaswamy to pull the ad, including Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio.

"Our RINO Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, who I unfortunately helped get elected years ago, when he was losing by 16 points prior to my doing a Rally for him was, as usual, disloyal to the Republican Party. He strongly suggested that Vivek should, 'take down the Ad,'" Trump added.

"He probably wants a Dumocrat to win, and certainly doesn’t want someone who will do a much better job than he is capable of doing," he added. "I suggested, on the other hand, that Vivek should keep it up, and let everyone listen to the mother of a defective, dishonest, and incapable Candidate, explain how the daughter is a DISASTER who, uncontrollably, lies, cheats, and steals!"

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.