Key facts
- Trump and Vance are defending Vivek Ramaswamy's ad against Ohio GOP establishment figures.
- The ad features the mother of Democratic candidate Amy Acton.
- Acton's brother stated he and his sister are estranged from their mother due to past abuse.
- Trump called Governor DeWine a "RINO" and supported Ramaswamy's approach.
- Vance criticized Republicans for "whining" about the ad.
- Husted and DeWine denounced the ad as "troubling."
President Trump and Vice President Vance have publicly backed Ohio GOP gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy amid controversy over an advertisement that features the mother of his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton. The ad has drawn sharp criticism from prominent Ohio Republicans, including Governor Mike DeWine and Senator Jon Husted, who have denounced it as inappropriate. Acton's brother later released a statement detailing estrangement from their mother due to past abuse. Trump criticized DeWine as a "RINO" and urged Ramaswamy to continue his aggressive campaign tactics, while Vance expressed frustration with fellow Republicans for focusing on the ad rather than Democrats. Other Republican figures, including former Governor John Kasich and former Senator Rob Portman, have also condemned the advertisement.