Story perspectives

DeWine Calls Ramaswamy Ad “Deeply Troubling,” Urges Stop

By Drooid · Oct 25, 2026, 6:09 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy defended a TV ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother during his Ohio tour.
President Donald Trump urged him to keep the ad, calling it “hitting pay dirt.”
Gov. Mike DeWine called the ad “deeply, deeply troubling” and asked Ramaswamy to stop it.
Ramaswamy’s campaign confirmed a $4 million spend to air the 60-second spot on streaming and TV.

History

Historical Context

In 2004 Swift Boat Veterans for Truth launched a $20 million television blitz that questioned John Kerry’s Vietnam record, creating the “swiftboating” label for personal attack ads. Decades later, Vivek Ramaswamy spent $4 million on an Ohio spot featuring Amy Acton’s mother, drawing criticism from Governor Mike DeWine and praise from Donald Trump, showing the tactic’s persistence.

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Story summary

U.S. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy defended a TV ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother during his Ohio tour.
President Donald Trump urged him to keep the ad, calling it “hitting pay dirt.”
Gov. Mike DeWine called the ad “deeply, deeply troubling” and asked Ramaswamy to stop it.
Ramaswamy’s campaign confirmed a $4 million spend to air the 60-second spot on streaming and TV.

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