Following his withdrawal from the Republican presidential race, Indian-American tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has thrown his support behind former President Donald Trump for the 2024 White House race, a move that positions him as a potential running mate on Trump's vice-presidential shortlist.
During a Fox News town hall event, Trump mentioned Ramaswamy alongside other notable figures such as South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard, Florida Representative Byron Donalds, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem as potential picks for his vice-presidential running mate, as reported by Politico.com.
Trump's acknowledgment of Ramaswamy comes after the entrepreneur's exit from the presidential race, a decision made following a disappointing showing in the Iowa caucuses. Ramaswamy, aged 38, not only withdrew from the race but also threw his support behind Trump, signaling a political alliance.
In a previous indication of his alignment with Trump's camp, Ramaswamy had suggested the possibility of serving as Trump's running mate if he failed to secure the Republican nomination.
While Trump praised several potential candidates during the town hall event, including Scott, whom he commended for his unwavering support, the former President's remarks also highlighted the complexities of political dynamics, particularly regarding his relationship with DeSantis. Despite previous animosities between Trump and DeSantis, the latter's endorsement of Trump and the cessation of hostilities between them suggest a shifting landscape within Republican circles.
Meanwhile, despite the political hurdles, another prominent figure, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, remains steadfast in her presidential aspirations, vowing to continue her campaign despite facing an uphill battle in her home state's primary, where Trump enjoys a significant lead.
