Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has ended his bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination after a disappointing fourth place finish in the Iowa caucuses, the quadrennial electoral events for the Democratic and Republican parties in the U.S. state of Iowa. Ramaswamy announced on Monday night that he was suspending his campaign and throwing his support behind former President Donald Trump.
The political newcomer had sought to replicate Trump's rise as a bombastic outsider candidate. But with nearly all precincts reporting, Ramaswamy earned just 7.7% of the vote and 3 delegates in Iowa. He conceded that absent some unexpected events, there was no viable path forward for his candidacy.
Ramaswamy called Trump earlier Monday to congratulate him on his caucus victory. The former president edged out Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, with former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley in third. Ramaswamy acknowledged Trump as the leader of the "America First" movement and said he would fully endorse him going forward.
The 38-year-old Ohio native positioned himself as a non-traditional choice who could shake up the system, much like Trump did in 2016. As a wealthy outsider with no political experience, Ramaswamy sought to channel populist anger at institutions like corporate America and the federal government.
He advocated controversial policies like deporting birthright citizens, questioning the 9/11 attacks, and firing most federal workers. Ramaswamy slammed the push for diversity and inclusion by major companies, calling it "woke" ideology. He also opposed aid for Israel and Ukraine, putting him at odds with mainstream GOP foreign policy.
However, Ramaswamy struggled to emerge from Trump's shadow. He praised the former president as the "best of the 21st century" while arguing the America First movement was bigger than one man. In the end, Ramaswamy failed to convince voters to choose fresh legs instead of Trump's familiar brand.
Ramaswamy's defeat shows how dominant Trump remains in the GOP three years after leaving office. Despite being 77 years old and facing criminal prosecution, Trump is still the overwhelming favourite for the 2024 nomination. Challengers who deviate from party orthodoxy have found little success.
While ending his presidential bid, Ramaswamy pledged to continue advocating for the America First agenda and policies like cutting bureaucracy. He said his mission now is to support Trump's return to the White House. Ramaswamy built his personal fortune as a biotech entrepreneur before entering politics with his 2021 book "Woke, Inc." He claimed capitalism had become an invisible force shaping politics.
At just 38, Ramaswamy said he hoped the American Dream would still be available for his children's generation. Though his presidential aspirations fell short this time, the Republican's wealth and name recognition could position him for future national campaigns. For now, Ramaswamy says ensuring Trump's success is his priority.
