Former President Donald Trump and ex-presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy stirred speculations about the vice presidency during a campaign rally in New Hampshire on Tuesday.
At the rally in Atkinson, New Hampshire, Trump expressed admiration for Ramaswamy, who recently withdrew from the presidential race and endorsed Trump instead, as per The Independent.
The former president referred to Ramaswamy as a "fantastic guy" with something "very special," acknowledging the honor of receiving his endorsement.
After Ramaswamy officially announced his exit from the presidential bid, he joined Trump on stage, where the Indian-American leader was publicly thanked for his endorsement. Trump emphasized the significance of Ramaswamy's support and hinted at a prolonged collaboration between them.
The move comes following Trump's substantial victory in the Iowa caucuses, where he secured 20 out of the 40 delegates with a commanding lead of 56,250 votes. Ramaswamy, in endorsing Trump, urged Republican voters to prioritize an "America First patriot" in the upcoming elections.
Despite a brief setback earlier in the week when Trump criticized Ramaswamy's campaign as "deceitful," the two leaders have consistently praised each other throughout the election season. Trump even floated the idea of Ramaswamy serving as his running mate, indicating the businessman's potential impact on the campaign.
Ramaswamy, a vocal defender of Trump against legal challenges, has been steadfast in his support, hailing the former president as the "greatest President" of the 21st century. In a recent development, Trump thanked Ramaswamy for his endorsement, assuring that the Indian-American leader would be part of the team for a "long time," according to Milt.
Trump's Critique and Ramaswamy's Resolve
The only glitch in their alliance occurred when Trump abruptly criticized Ramaswamy's campaign earlier in the week, urging supporters not to waste their votes on him. Despite this, Ramaswamy maintained his stance, refraining from criticizing Trump and reiterating his belief in Trump's greatness as a leader.
As the GOP race shifts to New Hampshire for the upcoming primary on January 23, the collaboration between Trump and Ramaswamy has become a focal point of attention. Ramaswamy, who dropped out of the race after the Iowa caucuses, publicly urged voters to support Trump in the New Hampshire primaries during the Atkinson rally.
While Trump acknowledged Ramaswamy's contribution and impressive performance in the campaign, supporters in the crowd were heard chanting "VP, VP," suggesting a growing interest in Ramaswamy as a potential vice presidential nominee.
Ramaswamy, a charismatic multi-millionaire, brought youthful energy to the Republican race, though he finished fourth in the Iowa caucuses behind Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Despite this, Trump lauded Ramaswamy for his efforts, describing his journey from "zero" to a significant impact as "amazing."
As the campaign progresses, the Trump-Ramaswamy alliance remains a dynamic force within the Republican landscape, with speculation intensifying about the potential role Ramaswamy could play in Trump's pursuit of the presidency in 2024. The rally in New Hampshire serves as a testament to the evolving dynamics between the two leaders and their shared commitment to the "America First" agenda, Daily Mail reported.
