In a significant political development, former US President Donald Trump has publicly thrown his support behind Indian-American Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy for the upcoming Ohio Governor's race. Trump declared that Ramaswamy would be a "great" leader for the state, offering his "complete and total endorsement".
Trump's Ringing Endorsement on Truth Social
Using his Truth Social platform on Friday, the former president made a powerful statement backing the 40-year-old entrepreneur-turned-politician. "Vivek Ramaswamy will be a GREAT Governor of Ohio, and has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" Trump wrote in his characteristic capital-letter style.
He further elaborated on his relationship with Ramaswamy, noting that having competed against him during the Republican presidential primaries, he recognized something special in the young leader. "I know Vivek well, competed against him, and he is something SPECIAL. He is Young, Strong, and Smart!" Trump emphasized, while also describing him as a "very good person" who "truly loves" the United States.
Ramaswamy's Vision for Ohio and Political Journey
Trump outlined what Ohio residents could expect from a Ramaswamy administration, highlighting several key policy areas. According to the former president, Ramaswamy would fight tirelessly to grow the economy, cut taxes and regulations, promote American manufacturing, champion energy dominance, secure borders, address migrant crime, strengthen military and veterans, ensure law and order, advance election integrity, and protect Second Amendment rights.
Ramaswamy, who suspended his own presidential campaign in January 2024 before endorsing Trump, quickly responded with gratitude. "Thank you, President Trump! Let's make Ohio greater than ever," he posted, embracing the endorsement that could significantly boost his gubernatorial campaign.
The Ohio-native brings an impressive background to his political aspirations. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Ramaswamy earned a Biology degree from Harvard University before obtaining a law degree from Yale Law School. His professional achievements include founding biotech firm Roivant Sciences, where he oversaw the development of five drugs that eventually received FDA approval.
From Presidential Ambitions to State Leadership
Ramaswamy's political trajectory has been noteworthy. After his unsuccessful bid in the 2024 Republican presidential primaries, he became one of Trump's close confidants. Following Trump's election victory last November, Ramaswamy was appointed to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) alongside SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
However, in a strategic move, Ramaswamy resigned from DOGE in January, just hours after Trump took office, to focus on his campaign for Ohio Governor. His gubernatorial platform focuses on making Ohio the leading state for business growth, young families, and world-class education for children.
This endorsement represents another chapter in the evolving relationship between Trump and the Indian-American politician, signaling Ramaswamy's rising prominence within Republican circles and setting the stage for an interesting gubernatorial race in Ohio.
