Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has officially withdrawn from the 2024 US presidential race and declared his endorsement for Donald Trump following a less-than-remarkable performance in the Iowa Republican caucuses.
Ramaswamy, a relatively unknown political figure at the start of his campaign in February 2023, managed to attract attention and support within Republican circles with his firm stance on immigration and an "America-first" agenda. His campaign closely emulated the tone and policies of former President Donald Trump, aiming to tap into the conservative base that propelled Trump to success in previous elections.
On the same night of the Iowa caucuses, Trump emerged victorious, solidifying his position as the leading contender for the Republican nomination.
Ramaswamy, born in Ohio to immigrant parents from Kerala, unexpectedly entered the Republican presidential race, challenging Trump's dominance within the party.
However, as the Iowa caucuses approached, Trump publicly disapproved of Ramaswamy, branding him a "fraud" on his social media platform Truth Social and asserting that supporting the Indian-American candidate was akin to supporting the "other side." In Iowa, Ramaswamy secured a fourth-place finish, capturing approximately 7.7% of the votes.
The Harvard-educated millionaire gained prominence in conservative circles with his 2021 bestseller, "Woke, Inc.," a critical examination of corporate decisions influenced by social justice and climate change concerns.
Ramaswamy's fellow Republican presidential contenders, particularly former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who shares Indian heritage, expressed frustration with him during debates. In a pointed remark, Haley quipped, "Every time I hear you, I feel a little bit dumber."