Former president Trump and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Photos: Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images, Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP
In an interview that has sparked considerable interest, former President Donald Trump commended presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, indicating that he had contemplated the 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur as a potential vice president.
The significance of this statement lies in the fact that it represents Trump’s most notable commentary on Ramaswamy’s bid for the presidency. It sheds light on Trump’s willingness to consider a much younger and relatively untested figure, who holds anti-Washington views, as a potential vice presidential candidate.
Trump’s remarks were made during a conversation with conservative talk show host Glenn Beck. When queried about the possibility of a “Vice President Ramaswamy,” Trump lauded the entrepreneur, referring to him as “smart,” “young,” and “full of talent.” He noted that Ramaswamy is “a very, very, very intelligent person” with good energy, expressing his belief that Ramaswamy could serve in some capacity.
This exchange unfolded shortly after the inaugural GOP debate, in which Trump did not participate but expressed his intention to watch for potential vice presidential selections.
The intriguing aspect is that while praising Ramaswamy’s attributes, Trump also acknowledged the entrepreneur’s tendency to court controversy. He advised Ramaswamy to exercise caution, suggesting that some ideas need to be tempered. Trump said, “Be a little bit careful. Some things you have to hold in just a little bit, right?”
In response, Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for Ramaswamy, indicated that if one were to speculate, Ramaswamy might not be inclined to hold back much, aligning with his candid and open style.
Zooming out, Ramaswamy’s political trajectory over the past six months has been notable. Starting as a relatively obscure candidate with just 1% in polling, he has emerged as a serious contender, drawing the attention of prominent GOP figures like former Vice President Mike Pence, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who have critiqued his stances.
Ramaswamy’s strategy involves extensive media engagement, including combative interviews, along with an active presence in the early states of Iowa and New Hampshire. His policy positions, which often align with Trump’s, encompass ideas such as abolishing the Department of Education and advocating for military action against Mexico. Additionally, he has proposed novel concepts like raising the voting age to 25, contributing to his distinct appeal within the Republican landscape.
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