Trump Defends Attack Ad Targeting Amy Acton Despite Abuse Allegations

The campaign advertisement for Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy centers on Donna Arthur, Acton’s biological mother, who attacks her daughter's character. The controversy centers on Acton’s public account of being sexually abused by her stepfather, Cledith Arthur, who was indicted for rape in 1978. Despite being briefed on the court records, Trump insisted the ad was "very powerful" and labeled Arthur a "smart woman" for her public denunciation.

When pressed by NBC reporter Monica Alba on whether the allegations of sexual assault influenced his stance, Trump repeatedly interrupted her, demanding she stop and eventually calling her "fresh." He maintained that the ad was straightforward, telling reporters, "It’s a mother speaking badly of Amy Acton, and to me it’s very easy." Ramaswamy, meanwhile, continues to fund the campaign, insisting the ad is unrelated to the history of abuse, even as the spot faces backlash from figures including outgoing Governor Mike DeWine.