Tesla CEO Elon Musk has lauded entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy as a “very promising candidate” for the 2024 US presidential election. Musk’s endorsement was sparked by a clip of Ramaswamy’s interview with Tucker Carlson, shared on X.
Vivek Ramaswamy, an Indian-American entrepreneur, is emerging as a strong contender in the Republican presidential field, vying for the number two spot behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. However, DeSantis’s allies have highlighted Ramaswamy’s ties to China and his openness to a trans-Pacific trade deal as vulnerabilities.
Billionaire Elon Musk’s praise of Ramaswamy raises eyebrows, considering Musk’s prior backing of DeSantis. This endorsement could signify Musk’s potential shift in allegiance. Born in Ohio to Indian immigrants, Ramaswamy has rapidly climbed the Republican popularity polls, despite being a political novice.
In preparation for the first Republican presidential primary debate on August 23, documents were unveiled outlining potential lines of attack against GOP contenders, including Ramaswamy. The documents raised concerns about his association with a Chinese state-owned firm and his stances on abortion, drug policy, and links to Democratic financier George Soros.
Ramaswamy’s campaign agenda underscores his emphasis on confronting China as a significant threat to the United States. He advocates for “total decoupling” from China, aiming to sever business ties and establish new trade relationships with nations like India, Japan, and South Korea. His assertive stance has propelled him to the forefront of the Republican primary contest.
Ramaswamy’s ascent in the Republican presidential nomination race is notable. A Reuters-Ipsos poll shows him enjoying 9% support among Republican leaders, with former President Donald Trump leading at 47% and Governor DeSantis at 19%. Ramaswamy’s campaign has gained momentum, amassing $7.7 million in the second quarter, including a substantial personal contribution of $5.4 million, bringing his total investment to $16 million.
