Vivek Ramaswamy, a wealthy former biotech executive, concluded his White House bid and threw his support behind Donald Trump after gaining attention but falling short in the Iowa Republican Party’s first nominating contest. Born in Ohio to immigrant parents from southern India, the 38-year-old became a surprise candidate in the 2024 Republican race, aligning himself staunchly with Trump. Despite securing attention for his youth, financial resources, and assertive campaigning, Trump criticized him before the Iowa caucus, damaging Ramaswamy’s standing. He finished fourth with about 7.7% of votes.
Known for his 2021 bestseller “Woke, Inc.,” Ramaswamy criticized corporate decisions centered on social justice and climate change. Although his combative debate style and media focus garnered headlines, his popularity dwindled in the autumn. By the end of 2023, his national polling numbers among likely Republican primary voters remained in the low single digits.
While facing irritation from fellow Republican candidates, Ramaswamy found some support in libertarian and tech circles, including Tesla’s Elon Musk. Despite identifying as a libertarian during his studies, Ramaswamy held deeply conservative policy positions. On the campaign trail, he opposed affirmative action, supported state-level abortion bans, and advocated for expanding presidential powers and dismantling federal agencies.
Reflecting the growing isolationist trend in the Republican Party, Ramaswamy opposed NATO membership for Ukraine and suggested concessions to Russia, challenging traditional foreign policy perspectives.
