Iowa Republican Senate candidate Rep. Ashley Hinson sharply criticized a controversial campaign advertisement by Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, stating it was "absolutely terrible" and should be removed. The ad featured the estranged mother of Democratic opponent Amy Acton, who has publicly disclosed experiencing childhood sexual abuse.

Hinson's strong condemnation came just hours before she was scheduled to appear alongside President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Iowa. This created a visible tension, as President Trump, who had endorsed Hinson, publicly defended Ramaswamy's ad on his social media platform.

In an interview with ABC News' Jonathan Karl, Hinson expressed her dismay, particularly as a mother. "I think about it as a mom and you think about your kids surviving childhood sexual abuse and having to relive that trauma on TV again. I think it's absolutely terrible, and I think they should take the ad down," Hinson stated.

She also rebuked Vice President JD Vance, who had defended Ramaswamy and criticized Republicans for "whining" about the ad. "It's ridiculous. It's absolutely the wrong tone," Hinson said about Vance's remarks, adding that the ad sends the "wrong message" and that candidates should demonstrate empathy.

Hinson, a prominent Republican woman running for the Senate, is seeking to become the youngest female Republican senator if she wins in November. President Trump, however, took a different stance, posting on his social media that he "would" use such an ad and that it was effective in highlighting Acton's mother's claims.

The ad's subject, Donna Arthur, Acton's mother, made claims about her daughter's past and struggles. Acton has previously spoken about a strained relationship with her mother and alleged molestation between the ages of 9 and 12 by her mother's second husband.

Hinson's public stance places her at odds with the President and other party figures who have defended the ad. The incident highlights a potential divide within the party regarding campaign tactics and the ethical considerations of personal attacks.

The joint appearance at the rally was intended to boost Republican candidates, but Hinson's direct criticism of a tactic endorsed by Trump introduced an unexpected and potentially uncomfortable dynamic to the event.