By Salma El-Sakka
President Donald Trump appeared at a midterms rally in Chillicothe, Ohio, on Wednesday to support Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Senator Jon Husted, where he vigorously defended Ramaswamy's attack ad targeting Democratic rival Dr. Amy Acton.
Trump's Rally Defense
At the rally, Trump complained that Ramaswamy had been treated "very unfairly" over the television spot, which features Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur, calling her daughter a "liar" and urging voters not to support her. Trump joked about the ad, saying, "I said 'Why can't I have an opponent like that?'" He argued that if his own mother had made similar statements, the press would have awarded Pulitzer Prizes for reporting it, but Ramaswamy faced criticism instead.
Ad Controversy Background
The ad does not disclose that Acton, 60, has not spoken to Arthur for 48 years because Arthur refused to believe Acton's claim that she was raped by her stepfather at age 12. Acton's stepfather died in 2004. Ramaswamy did not mention the ad directly at the rally, having previously faced heckling, venue cancellations, and denunciation from a former teacher over the controversy.
Republican Criticism and Trump's Response
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine criticized Ramaswamy over the ad, prompting Trump to label DeWine a "RINO" and "disloyal" on Truth Social. Trump admitted personally advising Ramaswamy to continue running the ad, writing, "Who wouldn't use such an ad? I would, it's called 'hitting pay dirt.'"
Acton's Response
Speaking on MS NOW, Acton called the ad "unacceptable" and said she believed her mother had been "exploited" by Ramaswamy's team. She said Ohioans were "exhausted" by "hate and chaos" and reminded voters that "decency is on the ballot" in the upcoming election.
