Trump Backs Ramaswamy’s Controversial Ad Against Acton
Trump supports Ramaswamy’s attack ad on Acton, sparking GOP division over political tactics.
2 min read
President Donald Trump has endorsed a controversial attack ad targeting Democrat Amy Acton, a move that has sparked internal divisions within the Republican Party. The ad, which features Acton’s estranged mother, Donna Arthur, has drawn criticism from some GOP officials, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who called it ‘deeply, deeply troubling.’
Trump’s Support for the Ad
Trump, who is running for president, has publicly backed the ad, calling Acton ‘fair game’ in his social media posts. He urged Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy to keep the ad running, despite concerns from some party members. The ad, which includes claims about Acton’s past, has been a point of contention within the GOP, with some leaders warning that it could damage the party’s image.
The Ad’s Content and Funding
The ad, which Ramaswamy’s campaign plans to spend $4 million on, features Donna Arthur, who accuses Acton of lying about her past. Court records reveal that Acton was removed from Arthur’s custody as a child after her stepfather was charged with rape in 1978. While Ramaswamy’s campaign declined to confirm funding for the ad, the Associated Press reported that the spot is part of a broader strategy to undermine Acton’s candidacy.
Political Fallout and Reactions
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who has endorsed Ramaswamy, has urged the removal of the ad, calling it inappropriate. Other GOP figures, including Republican Ohio Sen. Jon Husted and Secretary of State Frank LaRose, have also expressed disapproval. However, some, like Vice President JD Vance, dismissed the criticism as ‘whining,’ while state GOP Chairman Alex Triantafilou emphasized the need to ‘keep score.’
Acton’s Lead in Polls
Despite the controversy, Acton remains ahead in most recent polls, with a New York Times/Siena poll showing her leading 49% to 45%, and a CNN/SSRS poll giving her an eight-point edge. However, a co/efficient poll handed Ramaswamy a two-point lead, and the Cook Political Report classifies the race as a toss-up. Ohio, which has consistently voted for Trump in past presidential elections, is now a key battleground in the upcoming gubernatorial race.
Democrats Unite Behind Acton
Democrats have rallied behind Acton, with Illinois first lady MK Pritzker donating $500,000 to her campaign. Former Trump rival Nikki Haley has labeled Ramaswamy a ‘bad guy,’ signaling a strong Democratic response to the ad. Early voting is already underway for the Nov. 3 election, with the outcome of this race expected to have significant implications for the state’s political landscape.
Source: Daily Caller
