Trump Stands Firm on Controversial Ad During Ohio Republican Rally
The President doubled down on his attack on Amy Acton, despite the event taking place just days before crucial midterm elections.
At a spirited rally for Ohio Republicans in Chillicothe, President Donald Trump made headlines by reaffirming his stance on a contentious advertisement targeting Democratic candidate Amy Acton, a move that garnered attention just days before the midterm elections 123.
The rally, which took place at the Shoemaker Center on Ohio University's Chillicothe campus, saw Trump championing several Republican candidates who were reportedly facing challenges in public opinion polls 13. This gathering came at a critical time, with the midterm elections looming on the horizon, though there is some discrepancy regarding the exact timing, with one source suggesting the event happened days before the election, while another did not specify a timeframe 13 2.
Amidst the political fervor, local issues also took center stage. Protesters voiced their discontent towards Jon Husted, the Republican candidate for Secretary of State, over his handling of the closure of the Pixelle Paper Mill, which resulted in around 800 job losses 2. Meanwhile, Democratic candidates highlighted economic concerns such as rising costs for essential goods like groceries, gas, and electricity as key factors for voters to consider when casting their ballots 2.
With Election Day set for November 3, 2026, and early voting concluding on Sunday, November 1, 2026, the stakes were high for both parties as they sought to secure their positions in the upcoming midterms 2.
What we know
- - Donald Trump held a rally for Ohio Republicans 123
- - The rally took place in Chillicothe 123
- - The rally likely occurred at the Shoemaker Center on Ohio University's Chillicothe campus 13
- - Protesters criticized Jon Husted for not adequately addressing the closure of the Pixelle Paper Mill 2
- - The closure of the Pixelle Paper Mill left approximately 800 workers unemployed 2
- - Democrats cited rising costs for groceries, gas, and electricity as reasons to support Democratic candidates 2
- - Election Day was set for November 3, 2026 2
- - The last day for early voting in Ohio was Sunday, November 1, 2026 2
- - Some of the candidates Trump supported were struggling in public polls 3
What remains unclear
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 71%, weighted across 12 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed Donald Trump held a rally for Ohio Republicans. (92%)
- confirmed The rally took place in Chillicothe. (92%)
- likely The rally took place at the Shoemaker Center on Ohio University's Chillicothe campus. (84%)
- likely The event occurred days before the midterm elections. (70%)
- likely Protesters criticized Jon Husted for not responding adequately to the closure of the Pixelle Paper Mill. (70%)
- likely The closure of the Pixelle Paper Mill left approximately 800 workers unemployed. (70%)
- likely Democrats cited rising costs for groceries, gas, and electricity as reasons to support Democratic candidates Amy Acton and Sherrod Brown. (70%)
- likely Election Day was set for November 3, 2026. (70%)
- likely The last day for early voting in Ohio was Sunday, November 1, 2026. (70%)
- likely Some of the candidates Trump supported were struggling in public polls. (70%)
- unverified Approximately 2,500 Republican supporters attended the rally. (50%)
- unverified About 600 people attended the rally. (50%)
Sources
- 10TV (Columbus) — Trump rallies Ohio Republicans in Chillicothe days before midterms
https://www.10tv.com/article/news/politics/elections/trump-ohio-republicans-chillicothe-midterm-election/530-2a1576fa-7881-4a64-a2ba-63fe1debcb5b - WSYX (Columbus) — Ross County Democrats criticize Husted during Trump’s Ohio campaign rally
https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/ross-county-democrats-criticize-husted-during-trumps-ohio-campaign-rally-vivek-ramaswamy-president-donald-jon - NBC4 WCMH-TV (Columbus) — Trump rallies in Chillicothe, touts Husted, Ramaswamy ahead of Tuesday election
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/your-local-election-hq/trump-visits-ohio-live-updates-from-chillicothe-midterm-rally/