Former US President Donald Trump has publicly defended Vivek Ramaswamy’s controversial Ohio gubernatorial campaign advertisement, telling the candidate he "should keep it up." The endorsement comes as prominent Republicans condemned the spot, which features the estranged mother of Democratic opponent Amy Acton.
Trump claimed on social media that the mounting criticism against Ramaswamy's ad is part of a "concerted" political attack. The defense highlights ongoing divisions within the Republican party regarding campaign tactics in key gubernatorial races ahead of the US midterm elections.
The controversial advertisement drew swift rebukes from fellow Republicans in Ohio, who labeled the material concerning and called on Ramaswamy to pull it from rotation. Despite the pressure from state party figures, Trump's public backing provides a significant counterweight as the primary and general election dynamics continue to unfold.
