NewsABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)October 23, 2026San Francisco County
Trump defends Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial campaign ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother
Photo: ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)
President Donald Trump defended a campaign ad by Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy that features Amy Acton's estranged mother criticizing Acton. Acton and several prominent Republicans condemned the ad due to its connection to past allegations of childhood sexual abuse involving Acton's late stepfather.
Read the full story at ABC7 News San Francisco (KGO-TV)Why It Matters
A political campaign advertisement involving family disputes and past abuse allegations has drawn national attention, divisions among Republican leaders, and public criticism from the opposing candidate.
Key Facts
- President Donald Trump defended a controversial campaign ad from Ohio GOP gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother, Donna Arthur.
- Donna Arthur's ad features her stating that her daughter Amy Acton has lied about her past and struggles growing up.
- Amy Acton has publicly accused her late stepfather of molesting her between the ages of 9 and 12 and has been estranged from her mother since she was 12 years old.
- Acton's stepfather was criminally charged with sexually abusing her as a child, pleaded not guilty, and died in 2004 after fleeing the state before trial.
- Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine called the ad 'deeply, deeply troubling' and stated that Ramaswamy's campaign should stop airing it.
- Iowa Republican Senate candidate Rep. Ashley Hinson condemned the ad and stated it should be taken down, hours before sharing the stage with Trump at a rally.
- Trump stated that he advised Ramaswamy to 'ride with it' and called the ad 'powerful.'
- Vivek Ramaswamy stated during a rally that the ad 'had nothing to do with childhood abuse.'
- Amy Acton criticized the ad during a campaign event, calling it 'horrible and hideous' and 'an exploitative thing to do.'
Who's Mentioned
PersonMike DeWine“Ohio Governor criticizing the ad”PersonDonald Trump“President defending the campaign ad”locationWhite House“Location where Trump spoke to reporters”PersonDiana Paulsen“ABC News contributor”PersonJonathan Karl“ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent”locationOhio“State where the gubernatorial race is taking place”PersonSarah Beth Hensley“ABC News contributor”PersonVivek Ramaswamy“Ohio GOP gubernatorial candidate airing the ad”PersonAmy Acton“Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Ohio”PersonDonna Arthur“Amy Acton's estranged mother appearing in the ad”locationCleveland“Location of ABC affiliate WEWS”PersonAshley Hinson“Iowa Republican Senate candidate and Representative”locationIowa“State where a campaign rally took place”locationSioux City“City in Iowa hosting the campaign rally”