Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy announced on Tuesday that he is suspending his campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump for the 2024 nomination.
Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and author, made the announcement in a video message to his supporters, saying that he called Trump to congratulate him on his victory in the Iowa caucuses and to pledge his full support.
“As I’ve said since the beginning, there are two America first candidates in this race and I called Donald Trump to tell him that,” Ramaswamy said.
“I congratulated him on his victory and now going forward he will have my full endorsement for the presidency, and I think we’re gonna do the right thing for this country,” he added.
Ramaswamy, who launched his campaign in February 2023, was one of the most vocal critics of the corporate sector’s involvement in social and environmental issues, which he dubbed “woke capitalism”. He also advocated for a libertarian approach to health care, education, and immigration. He gained a loyal following among conservative voters who were disillusioned with the establishment and the mainstream media.
However, Ramaswamy failed to gain traction in the polls and the fundraising race, lagging behind Trump and other contenders such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. He finished fourth in the Iowa caucuses, with only 6% of the vote, according to the official results.
“This entire campaign is about speaking the TRUTH. We did not achieve our goal tonight & we need an America-First patriot in the White House. The people spoke loud & clear about who they want. Tonight I am suspending my campaign and endorsing Donald J. Trump and will do everything I can to make sure he is the next U.S. President. I am enormously proud of this team, this movement, and our country,” Ramaswamy said.
Trump, who declared his candidacy in November 2022, has been dominating the Republican field, winning every state and territory so far. He has also amassed a war chest of over $18 million, according to his campaign website. He welcomed Ramaswamy’s endorsement, calling him “a brilliant leader and a true patriot”.
“Vivek is a great friend and a tremendous asset to our movement. He has been fighting for the American people and the American dream like no one else. He has my complete and total endorsement and I look forward to working with him to Make America Great Again,” Trump said in a statement.
Ramaswamy’s decision to back Trump could boost the former president’s chances of securing the nomination and the general election, as he could appeal to Ramaswamy’s supporters and donors, as well as the Indian-American community, which is one of the fastest-growing and most affluent ethnic groups in the country.
However, Trump also faces significant challenges, as he is still banned from major social media platforms, faces multiple legal investigations and lawsuits, and remains deeply unpopular among many voters, especially women, minorities, and young people. He also has to contend with the incumbent President Joe Biden, who has been leading in most national and state polls, and has been touting his achievements in handling the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic recovery, and the climate crisis.
The next major contest for the Republican nomination is the New Hampshire primary, which will take place on February 13, 2024. Trump is expected to win easily, as he has a commanding lead in the polls and has the endorsement of the state’s governor, Chris Sununu. Ramaswamy said he will campaign for Trump in the Granite State and beyond, and urged his supporters to do the same.
“We have a historic opportunity to restore our nation’s greatness and to preserve our freedom for generations to come. I ask you to join me in supporting Donald Trump, the only candidate who can defeat Joe Biden and the radical left. Together, we will save America,” Ramaswamy said.