GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy responded to former President Donald Trump’s attack against him on social media during a Fox News interview on Monday, a day before the Iowa caucuses. When asked about Trump’s criticism, Ramaswamy said that he didn’t get thrown anywhere and took it in a light-hearted way. However, he pointed out that people who have their heads stuck in the snow cannot ignore the massive surge of support he had been receiving lately. Ramaswamy expressed confidence in a potential shock tonight and cited his endorsements, including former GOP lawmaker Steve King.
Former Representative Steve King’s endorsement came as a surprise to many as he was ousted from Congress in 2020 after he was criticized by members of his own party for comments he had made that were perceived as racist. However, Ramaswamy welcomed the endorsement and highlighted his support from a prominent figure on the right.
Former President Trump accused Ramaswamy of resorting to deceitful campaign tricks in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Saturday. Trump claimed that Ramaswamy had started his campaign as a great supporter but had since disguised his support in a sly manner. He further stated that Ramaswamy was “not MAGA” and encouraged his supporters to not get “duped.” Ramaswamy, on the other hand, responded on X on Sunday by stating that he would not respond to Trump’s post with “friendly fire.”
Ramaswamy and Trump’s exchange highlighted the tension within the Republican Party over who represents the true conservative values of the GOP. Ramaswamy, like Trump in 2016, is the only major Republican candidate without prior officeholding experience. Although the mainstream media has paid limited attention to Ramaswamy, loyal Trump supporters continue to view him as a threat to the party’s traditional establishment.
The Iowa caucuses, which have historically played a crucial role in determining the Republican presidential nominee, are expected to be closely contested. Ramaswamy’s surge in support and unusual rise in the polls, as a fundraising juggernaut, has pivoted him to a possible winner of the party’s nomination. However, Trump’s continued influence on the Republican base makes it difficult for any candidate to capture the party nomination without his support.
The outcome of the Iowa caucus tonight could represent a turning point in the Republican presidential nomination race, with a possible upset victory for Ramaswamy shaking up the field and solidifying his outsider status in the party.
