Amy Acton Urges Trump, Vance to Examine Facts in Ramaswamy Attack Ad Controversy

Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton has urged former President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to "look at the facts" regarding an attack ad from Republican nominee Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign. The ad features Acton's estranged mother and has faced bipartisan backlash.

Acton stated in an interview with ABC News on Saturday that she hopes Trump and Vance will examine the facts surrounding the abuse she alleges she endured as a child, after they defended the campaign ad. Acton's mother, Donna Arthur, appears in the ad, claiming Acton has lied about her past, although the ad does not mention the allegations of sexual abuse. Acton has stated she has not seen her mother since she was 12 years old.

"My job is to work with anyone on any side of the aisle to solve problems instead of making them, and I would say I do hope they would look at the facts," Acton told ABC News in response to Trump and Vance defending the ad.

Acton has alleged that her mother's second husband sexually abused her between the ages of 9 and 12. Charges were filed against her stepfather, and Acton testified against him. He pleaded not guilty but fled the state before trial and died in 2004, never having appeared before a judge.

Trump, speaking to reporters this week about the ad, dismissed questions about Acton's sexual abuse allegations, repeatedly asserting that the ad "has nothing to do" with her stepfather. Vance echoed this sentiment, telling rally attendees in Ohio that he was "a little bit disgusted" by Republicans who focused more on the advertisement than on the actions of congressional Democrats.

GOP Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called the ad "deeply, deeply troubling" and stated that the Ramaswamy campaign "needs to take it down," but he did not withdraw his endorsement of Ramaswamy. When asked about DeWine's stance, Acton expressed appreciation for his acknowledgement of the facts, noting his background as a prosecutor.

Ramaswamy, speaking Friday, maintained that the ad was about "lying" and accused Acton of dishonesty regarding him, her record, and her history in the state. A spokesperson for Ramaswamy stated that "Ohioans can't afford a liberal governor who shows up for Obama but never shows up for them."

Acton, who has never met Ramaswamy, expressed that she has "no words for Mr. Ramaswamy" and believes "there is no low that he wouldn't sink to."

During a campaign rally in Cleveland on Saturday with former President Barack Obama and Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown, Acton also addressed survivors of abuse, urging them to "hold on, please" and to speak out if they have someone they feel safe with.

Obama, in his remarks, criticized the Trump administration and described Ramaswamy as "thirsty" for attention, stating that he is willing to do "anything" to gain it. Obama emphasized a "moral component" to the election and a perceived lack of basic decency in public discourse.