In a recent conversation with conservative radio host Glenn Beck, ex-President Donald Trump expressed admiration for GOP hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur. Trump lauded Ramaswamy as a “very, very, very intelligent person” with “good energy,” suggesting he could be a potential vice-presidential pick.
Trump’s comments came on the heels of the inaugural GOP debate, which he chose not to join but vowed to watch for possible VP candidates. The former commander-in-chief’s endorsement of Ramaswamy adds an unexpected twist to the GOP race, particularly as Ramaswamy has evolved from a little-known candidate with just 1% in the polls to a noteworthy contender gaining traction among top Republicans.
During the interview, Trump said, “Look, anybody that’s said I’m the best president in a generation… I have to like a guy like that.” He went on to describe Ramaswamy as someone who is “smart,” “young,” and “talented.”
However, Trump also issued a word of caution to Ramaswamy, advising him to be “a little bit careful” due to his growing tendency to stir the pot. “Some things you have to hold in just a little bit, right?” Trump noted.
Despite Trump’s favorable comments, Ramaswamy has previously stated that he wouldn’t consider being Trump’s VP. “I don’t do well in a No. 2, so I’d be about as likely to accept it as he would be to accept my offer to be my vice president,” Ramaswamy told NewsNation earlier this month.
The entrepreneur has also faced criticism from other GOP figures. Nikki Haley, former U.N. ambassador, questioned his expertise in foreign policy during a GOP debate. Former Vice President Mike Pence expressed skepticism about Ramaswamy’s age and foreign policy views but acknowledged a “great deal of alignment” between him and Trump. On the other hand, ex-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie accused Ramaswamy of being inconsistent, particularly regarding his comments about Trump’s actions on January 6th.
Christie told CBS’s “Face the Nation,” “If you believe Donald Trump was the greatest president of the 21st century, which is what Vivek said on the stage, then what the hell are you doing running against him?”
