Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy continues to remain in the public eye after his high-profile campaign ended six months ago. Ramaswamy, 38, an author and businessman, is set to speak at the GOP convention in Milwaukee next week, according to two sources familiar with the matter, reflecting his continued prominence within the Republican Party. A spokesperson for Ramaswamy declined to provide further comments.
Last year, Ramaswamy emerged as a significant figure during the GOP presidential primary by maintaining a strong media presence and creating viral moments online. His debating skills and bold proposals to significantly reduce the administrative state contributed to his surprising early success in the primary polls. This led to rival GOP candidates focusing their attacks on him during the first debate, even in the absence of former President Donald Trump.
Ramaswamy’s widespread media exposure and remarks drew criticism from those who believed he was more interested in fame than in promoting serious ideas. At times, he took controversial stances and indulged in conspiracy theories, including making comments that he later had to retract for veering into 9/11 trutherism.
Ramaswamy’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion, much of which comes from his biotech company Roivant Sciences and his investment firm Strive Asset Management. He invested a portion of his wealth into his presidential campaign. Before his political career, Ramaswamy authored the New York Times best-selling book *Woke Inc.*, a critique of left-wing identity politics, and *Nation of Victims*, which warns against the dangers of victimhood culture. As a public intellectual, he continues to advocate for the agenda he proposed during his campaign, blending libertarian and “America First” ideologies.
Throughout his campaign, Ramaswamy was often reluctant to criticize Trump, despite being primary opponents. He positioned himself as a stronger “America First” candidate and frequently spoke about what he sees as a crisis of meaning in America. In January, after securing roughly 7 percent of the vote in the Iowa caucus and finishing fourth, Ramaswamy dropped out and endorsed Trump, becoming a campaign surrogate for his former rival. He outlasted notable Republican contenders such as former Vice President Mike Pence, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
Despite his close alignment with Trump and support for the former president’s agenda, Ramaswamy’s name quickly fell out of consideration for the vice-presidential slot. According to Politico, Trump is expected to announce his running mate on Monday, the first night of the GOP convention.
Nikki Haley, who finished second in the primary, will not be speaking at the GOP convention. However, she has encouraged her 97 delegates to vote for Trump as the party’s nominee. In May, Haley stated she would vote for Trump and urged him to actively engage her supporters rather than take them for granted.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Trump’s most bitter primary rival, will be fundraising for a pro-Trump super PAC in Milwaukee during the convention. Initially not scheduled to speak, DeSantis is now expected to address the convention, according to Politico.
The convention will run from Monday through Thursday, culminating in Trump formally becoming the party’s presidential nominee for the third time.
