After a lackluster result in the Iowa Republican caucuses, Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy stepped out of the 2024 US presidential election and expressed his support for Donald Trump.

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Mr Ramaswamy, who was virtually unknown in political circles when he entered the campaign in February 2023, managed to pique the interest and support of Republican voters with his strong views on immigration and an America-first attitude. In terms of tone and philosophy, his campaign plan closely paralleled that of former President Trump. Mr Ramaswamy attempted to appeal to the conservative constituency that had driven Trump to victory in past elections.

On the same night, Trump had won in Iowa and he was establishing his position as the Republican primary leader.

Mr Ramaswamy, an Ohio native born to Kerala immigrant parents, emerged as one of the surprising candidates in a Republican race still dominated by Trump’s reputation.

However, in the last days before the Iowa caucuses, Trump aggressively criticized Mr Ramaswamy, dubbing him a “fraud” on his social media platform Truth Social and stating that voting for the Indian-American was voting for the “other side.”

Mr Ramaswamy finished fourth in Iowa, receiving around 7.7% of the vote.

The Harvard-educated millionaire rose to fame in right-wing circles after publishing “Woke, Inc.,” a blistering analysis of business decisions based on social justice and climate change concerns, in 2021.

During debates, Mr Ramaswamy’s other Republican presidential candidates frequently voiced dissatisfaction with him, particularly former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, herself of Indian descent, who mocked him, saying, Every time he hears him, and feels a little dumber.

With Trump finishing first, Ron DeSantis edged out Ms. Haley at second place in the Iowa.

Also Read: Don’t Hold It Against Him: Vivek Ramaswamy After Donald Trump Calls His Campaign ‘Deceitful’