Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy engaged in a spirited discussion on CNN’s “State of the Union,” passionately criticizing the “political media” for allegedly aligning themselves with the United States government. Ramaswamy reasserted his commitment to potentially pardon former President Donald Trump if elected, but only in the event of a federal conviction.
Characterizing the current US government system as a “federal administrative police state,” Ramaswamy dismissed Trump’s indictment as politically motivated.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the media’s lack of tough questioning, Ramaswamy urged host Dana Bash to delve into potential communications between President Joe Biden, Attorney General Merrick Garland, and special counsel Jack Smith regarding the Trump indictment. He argued that such investigations would contribute to the restoration of genuine journalism in the United States.
Asserting that the role of the political media is to hold the government accountable, Ramaswamy criticized what he perceived as the media prioritizing the interests of the government rather than fulfilling their intended purpose.
While labeling the indictment as “selective prosecution” and accusing it of being tainted by political motives, Ramaswamy refrained from defending Trump’s judgment in handling classified material, acknowledging that Trump’s actions may not have been ideal if the allegations were proven true. Ramaswamy emphasized the importance of distinguishing between poor judgment and criminal behavior to safeguard individual liberty.
When confronted about Trump’s legal challenges and the potential for his nomination by Republicans, Ramaswamy evaded a direct response, underscoring his personal commitment to winning the race and his belief in the country’s need to progress based on fundamental principles and moral authority.
Ramaswamy’s remarks were prompted by the recent unsealing of a federal indictment in the Southern District of Florida, charging Trump with 37 counts, including alleged violations of the Espionage Act. Despite the indictment, Trump remained resolute, vowing to continue his campaign and adamantly declaring his unwavering presence in the race. Trump is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
