Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has withdrawn from the 2024 US presidential race, declaring his support for Former president Donald Trump. This decision follows a less-than-remarkable performance in the Iowa Republican caucuses.
Despite initially being a relative newcomer to political circles when he entered the race in February 2023, Ramaswamy gained attention and support from Republican voters due to his strong stance on immigration and an America-first approach.
His campaign strategy closely mirrored that of Trump, both in tone and policy, as he aimed to appeal to the conservative base that had previously propelled Trump to success in elections. On the same night, Trump secured victory in Iowa, further solidifying his position as the leading candidate for the Republican nomination.
Mr Ramaswamy, an Ohio native, born to immigrant parents from Kerala, emerged as one of the unexpected contenders in a Republican field still dominated by Trump's reputation.
However, the tables turned for Mr. Ramaswamy in the days leading up to the Iowa caucuses, as Trump publicly condemned him. Labelling him a "fraud" on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump asserted that a vote for the Indian-American was equivalent to supporting the "other side."
In Iowa, Mr. Ramaswamy finished fourth, securing approximately 7.7% of the votes. The Harvard-educated millionaire gained prominence in right-wing circles with his 2021 bestseller, "Woke, Inc.," a sharp critique of corporate decisions influenced by social justice and climate change concerns.