Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy concluded his campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination following a lackluster performance in the Iowa caucuses. At his campaign watch party in Des Moines, Iowa, Ramaswamy acknowledged the disappointing outcome and the failure to achieve the desired surprise in the caucuses.
Subsequently, Ramaswamy announced his endorsement of former President Donald Trump, the projected victor of the Iowa caucuses. He informed the media of his phone call to Trump, offering congratulations and pledging full endorsement for Trump’s presidential campaign. Ramaswamy also mentioned his plans to join Trump at a rally in New Hampshire, signaling his ongoing support for the former president.
At 38, Ramaswamy was the youngest candidate in the Republican field. He campaigned on the promise of generational change and contrasted his approach with that of older, more established Republicans. His campaign centered on addressing America’s national identity crisis and providing an alternative to the ‘woke’ cultural agenda.
Ramaswamy’s political journey began in early 2023, emerging from a background as a pharmaceutical executive and author. His books, “Woke, Inc.” and “Nation of Victims,” had garnered attention in conservative media circles. He gained initial public visibility through appearances on right-wing media platforms, notably on Tucker Carlson’s Fox News show.
Raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, by Indian immigrant parents, Ramaswamy holds degrees from Harvard and Yale Universities. He founded Roivant Sciences and later co-founded Strive Asset Management, known for its stance against ‘woke’ ideologies in investment decisions.
Throughout his campaign, Ramaswamy was a vocal critic of the Republican establishment and urged for party reform. He often described himself as leveraging the Republican Party to forward his agenda, which included sharp critiques of party leaders and a call for accountability.
Ramaswamy’s campaign gained some momentum over the summer, marked by his distinct support for Trump and anti-establishment views. However, his rise in popularity was challenged by criticism from rivals, particularly around his foreign policy proposals. His stances on issues like Ukraine and Israel faced opposition within the party, leading to adjustments in his policy positions.
Despite his efforts to position his lack of foreign policy experience as an asset, Ramaswamy faced increasing scrutiny and a decline in public support, as reflected in various polls. His campaign was notably challenged by former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who criticized his foreign policy views, contributing to a shift in public perception of his candidacy.
