Vivek Ramaswamy drops out of 2024 White House race, endorses Donald Trump

Vivek Ramaswamy’s decision to quit the 2024 race came after Donald Trump’s decisive victory in Monday’s Iowa caucuses

His combative debate performances and intense focus on media earned him headlines, but also put off some voters

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Vivek Ramaswamy with his wife Apoorva Tewari and son Karthik after suspending his campaign. Photo: Reuters

Published: 12:46pm, 16 Jan 2024Updated: 1:31pm, 16 Jan 2024

Vivek Ramaswamy, a multi-millionaire former biotech executive, ended his White House bid on Monday and endorsed Donald Trump after his longshot bid caught attention but failed to catapult him high enough in the Republican Party’s first nominating contest in Iowa.

Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old born in Ohio to immigrant parents from southern India, was one of the surprises of the 2024 Republican race dominated by former President Trump.

A fierce defender of Trump throughout the campaign, Ramaswamy likely secured himself a spot in Republican politics going forward with his youthful demeanor, deep pockets and fast-talking, pugnacious campaigning.

However, Trump turned on him in the final days leading up to the Iowa caucus, calling him a “fraud” and asserting that a vote for Ramaswamy was a vote for the “other side”.

Vivek Ramaswamy holds up a sign reading ‘Nikki = corrupt’ referring to former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, at a debate in December. Photo: AFP

Still, Ramaswamy endorsed Trump on Monday, saying Trump was an “America-first” candidate who would have his full support.