2024 US Presidential Elections: Vivek Ramaswamy has decided to withdraw his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. The 38-year-old entrepreneur threw his support behind former President Donald Trump after a disappointing performance in Iowa.
Ramaswamy, who previously referred to Trump as the “best president of the 21st century,” suspended his campaign following a lackluster outcome in Iowa. He urged Republican voters to consider “fresh legs” and take the “America First agenda to the next level.”
Trump, despite legal challenges, secured a decisive victory in the Iowa contest, reinforcing his influence within the party. Ramaswamy mirrored Trump’s populist approach, campaigning as a dynamic figure with a penchant for grabbing headlines.
Expressing gratitude on social media platform Truth Social, Trump exclaimed, “THANK YOU IOWA, I LOVE YOU ALL!!!” Ramaswamy, acknowledging the setback in his campaign, conveyed, “There is no path for me to be the next president.”
In a show of unity, Ramaswamy endorsed Trump for the presidency, recognizing him as a fellow “America First” candidate. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis trailed in second place, narrowly surpassing former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley in the bid to emerge as the primary alternative to Trump.
With nearly 90% of the expected votes counted, Trump held a commanding lead at 50.9%, with DeSantis at 21.4% and Haley at 19.0%, according to Edison Research. While it remains uncertain if Trump will surpass the psychological 50% mark, his challengers aim for a strong showing to sustain their campaigns.
Trump’s strategic campaign approach, characterized by his absence from debates and limited local engagements, aims to cultivate an air of inevitability around his nomination bid. As the race unfolds, Trump seeks to solidify his position and secure a rematch with Democratic President Joe Biden in November.