Trump Defends Ramaswamy's Attack Ad Featuring Amy Acton’s Mother

On Thursday, Donald Trump posted a defense of Ramaswamy’s ad on Truth Social, calling it "very powerful" and accusing the media of a "well coordinated attack." The clip centers on the mother of former Ohio health director Amy Acton, alleging her son is a liar and a disaster. Ramaswamy, a former presidential hopeful and billionaire biotech entrepreneur, is facing Acton in Ohio’s gubernatorial contest.

The controversial footage shows Acton’s mother, who has publicly documented abuse by her husband, a man who fled before trial and is now deceased. The ad claims she has spoken out about her daughter’s deception, aligning with Acton’s own statements of abuse and neglect. The narrative frames Acton as a target for political manipulation.

Vice President J.D. Vance, a close ally, echoed Trump’s support during a campaign stop in Ohio, praising Ramaswamy’s "good friend" and questioning Acton’s alcohol problem allegations. A 45‑year‑old Cleveland nurse, who lost her position after a policy shift, says the ad stokes fear in the community. Meanwhile, Democrats and some Republicans criticized the ad as a smear, citing concerns over defamation and political targeting. The backlash has drawn scrutiny from Ohio’s media watchdogs.

Ramaswamy’s campaign plans to keep the ad running through the early November campaign, with a new billboard rollout scheduled for the week before the election. The ad’s use underscores the growing intensity of the midterm battles across the country, where governors and senators face heavily funded campaigns. The next milestone is the November 3 gubernatorial election, where voters will decide whether Ramaswamy’s aggressive messaging pays off.