Amy Acton shut down the state of Ohio during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Posted by The Rob Carson Show, Oct 5, 2026Checked Oct 30, 2026

Polygraph verdictMixed

Sources: 3 contradict2 support2 context
Said: 1 time·
Confidence: 60%

The Rob Carson ShowOct 5, 2026

The claim that Acton 'shut down the state' overstates her role: sources show she was Ohio's health director who signed or led on orders (including a stay-at-home order and gym closures) and wielded broad emergency powers, but DeWine says the buck stops with him and fact-checkers note he made the decisions.

A detail. The sources confirm the gist; the verdict faults a detail such as a date, number or wording.

A played clip makes this claim. Listeners heard it, so it counts against the post.

What was said

… You know, pretend like they're the exact opposite. Exact opposite of superheroes that's your Democrat Party. And see what she did to your. I mean, he just suddenly, I'm super moderate, man. I mean, please. Your great state during Covid, she shut it down and almost destroyed it, she's a disaster, she's a radical left Democrat, and she's we can't let her get in, she'll destroy, she will destroy everything that. …

The Rob Carson Show · Oct 5, 2026· from the transcriptPost →

What we found

Contradicts. Gov. DeWine said 'the buck stops with the governor' and that he made the decisions; a Cleveland.com fact-check says the ad unfairly puts all blame for shutdowns on Acton because DeWine took responsibility.[2][3]

Contradicts. Acton's own defenders argue the decisions were made by DeWine and she acted as a consultant, not the decision-maker.[4]

Supports. AP reports Acton wielded broad emergency powers and her actions included halting the presidential primary, closing gyms and imposing stay-at-home orders, alongside DeWine.[1]

Supports. Signal and Fox both report Acton signed orders closing schools, businesses, gyms and senior centers; a GOP strategist notes that under Ohio law her signature was on the closing order.[3][5]

Context. Acton led the health department for about 94 days of the pandemic before resigning June 11, 2020, and Ohio's timing was comparable to many states.[6][7]