JD Vance ‘Disgusted’ by GOP Backlash Over Ramaswamy’s Controversial Ohio Ad
Vice President JD Vance said Wednesday that he is “disgusted” by Republican pushback against a controversial ad from Vivek Ramaswamy’s Ohio gubernatorial campaign that features the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Dr. Amy Acton. The ad, which raises questions about Acton’s traumatic childhood, has roiled the already nasty Ohio governor’s race and drawn criticism from within the GOP. Speaking to reporters during a campaign visit to Columbus, Vance defended the ad and dismissed the outrage, saying, “Politics is a tough business.”nnThe ad has sparked a fierce intraparty feud. Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who clashed with Ramaswamy over the personal nature of his attacks during the 2024 Republican presidential primary, called him “a bad guy” in a social media post on Tuesday. Other prominent Republicans, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, have called on Ramaswamy to take down the ad. Despite the backlash, former President Donald Trump has reportedly encouraged Ramaswamy to keep running the ad, according to sources. The controversy has even led to speculation about its electoral impact, with some Republicans fearing it could backfire and hurt the party’s chances in the midterms.nnVance’s comments underscore the deep divisions within the Republican Party over the ad and the broader strategy of personal attacks. While Vance framed the criticism as excessive, arguing that politics is inherently tough, his remarks also highlight the growing influence of Ramaswamy’s combative style within the party. The ad, which focuses on Acton’s mother and her traumatic past, has been criticized as a step too far even for some seasoned Republicans. The fallout has been widely covered, with headlines ranging from “Vance ‘disgusted’ by Republicans decrying Ramaswamy ad” to “Ramaswamy sees betting odds plummet over controversial ad.”nnThe Ohio governor’s race, already one of the most closely watched contests in the 2026 midterms, has now become a flashpoint for the GOP’s internal struggles. As the party grapples with how to handle the controversy, the ad’s impact on voters remains uncertain. What is clear is that the episode has exposed a rift between those who
Shimanta Das 
