Things are getting crazy.
Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has decided to suspend his campaign, announcing his withdrawal after falling short at the Iowa Caucuses on Monday. Fox News Digital has verified this development and revealed that Ramaswamy is now throwing his support behind former President Trump.
In a statement to his supporters, Ramaswamy emphasized the foundational principles of his campaign, centered on truth-telling even in challenging circumstances. Despite acknowledging that the desired surprise did not materialize, he officially declared the suspension of his presidential campaign. Ramaswamy went on to extend his congratulations to Donald Trump on his victory and pledged his full endorsement for the presidency going forward.
The Iowa Caucuses results showed Ramaswamy securing approximately 8% support from caucusgoers. He trailed behind Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who claimed second and third places with around 20% each. Trump, on the other hand, set records by earning over 50% of the vote.
Ramaswamy, who initially entered the race with minimal name recognition in February of the previous year, outlasted prominent Republicans like former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, and former Vice President Mike Pence. His campaign focused on themes of restoring America’s identity and advocating for a significant reduction in the size of the federal government to dismantle the bureaucratic state.
Despite his efforts, the Iowa caucuses did not yield the desired outcome. Ramaswamy’s campaign underscored his dedication, highlighting his completion of the “Full Grassley” twice, signifying visits to all 99 counties in Iowa at least twice. Additionally, he held more campaign events in the Hawkeye State than any other candidate, predominantly funding his campaign as a multimillionaire.
Ramaswamy’s presence in the race prompted attention from Trump himself, who targeted him on the Truth Social platform days before the Iowa caucuses. The biotech entrepreneur gained recognition in conservative circles through his 2021 book, “Woke, Inc.,” which explored the impact of identity politics on corporations. His confrontational performances in Republican debates, especially with establishment-friendly candidates like Nikki Haley, further solidified his public profile.
Throughout 2023, Ramaswamy’s rise in the polls was attributed to his extensive media engagements, where he consistently accepted invitations regardless of the platform’s size or adversarial nature. His effective communication skills were evident in engaging with hostile attendees at campaign events, addressing contentious issues, and generating viral moments.
However, critics accused Ramaswamy of being a staunch defender and surrogate for Trump, facing scrutiny for alleged flip-flopping on issues like his stance on the events of January 6. His foreign policy positions during debates became a target for GOP rivals, illustrating the challenges he encountered during his political journey.