‘Fair game’: Trump defends Ramaswamy over attack ad featuring candidate’s mother
Updated . First published
Donald Trump has come to the defence of a star Republican candidate after his attack ad was criticised as a new low in US politics.
Vivek Ramaswamy, who is running for Ohio governor, released an ad featuring the mother of Democratic opponent Amy Acton calling her a liar.
Donald Trump listens as gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at a campaign rally earlier this month. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Acton’s mother Donna Arthur sided with her own husband after he repeatedly raped Acton when she was aged between 9 and 12, the candidate said.
The ad was widely condemned by Democrats and many Republicans.
But Trump issued a 411-word post on Truth Social defending the ad and backing Arthur.
"Frankly, anybody whose mother spoke about a daughter in that way would normally lead to the daughter being precluded from serving in Office, let alone the Office of Governor," Trump wrote.
"If my mother, the legendary Mary MacLeod Trump, said anything bad about me, the Fake News would play it up."
Trump criticised Governor Mike DeWine, a fellow Republican, for calling on Ramaswamy to take down the ad.
"He probably wants a Dumocrat to win, and certainly doesn’t want someone who will do a much better job than he is capable of doing," he said.
"I suggested, on the other hand, that Vivek should keep it up, and let everyone listen to the mother of a defective, dishonest, and incapable Candidate, explain how the daughter is a DISASTER who, uncontrollably, lies, cheats, and steals!"
But speaking to reporters on the White House lawn, Trump was apparently ignorant of Acton's claims against her mother.
"I don't know what she said," Trump said.
Amy Acton is the Democratic candidate for governor of Ohio. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
A reporter replied: "That the mother remained with the stepfather who sexually abused her."
Trump said: "When did she make that statement? Recently?"
A reporter answered: "Years ago. He was charged with it."
But Trump doubled down.
"I have no idea. All I know is, Amy Acton's mother said horrible things about Amy Acton," the president said.
"She’s fair game."
Arthur lost custody of Acton when she was 12 over claims of severe abuse, neglect and sexual abuse.
Acton's stepfather was charged with raping her when she was aged between 9 and 12.
He was indicted by a grand jury but fled the state before trial with an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He died in 2004.
President Donald Trump shakes hands with gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy at a rally in Ohio. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Arthur stayed by her husband's side for the rest of his life, and she has not spoken to Acton since 1978.
Democrats have been firm in their criticism of Ramaswamy for airing the ad.
“Vivek Ramaswamy is a disgusting and slimy political hack,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said.
"Every single Republican should denounce this malignant clown and rescind their support."
Polling shows Acton widening her lead over Ramaswamy in Ohio, a state that has swung hard to Republicans in the Trump era.
Less than two weeks before election day, the latest polling indicates Democrats are strengthening their leads across the country.
The party is now favoured to take back both the House and Senate.
Election Day is November 3.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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