Vivek Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old Indian-American entrepreneur, has shaken up the 2024 US presidential race. Ramaswamy is known for his sharp critique of topics ranging from “woke” culture to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards. has outperformed several of its traditional Republican competitors in the party’s quest for the nomination. Mint takes a look.
Who is Vivek Ramaswamy?
Born to immigrant parents from Kerala, Ramaswamy graduated from Harvard and Yale before making a fortune in the pharmaceutical industry. His net worth is estimated at just under $1 billion. In recent years, Ramaswamy has become increasingly active in America’s culture wars. He has opposed the “awakened culture” and has criticized liberal positions on climate change, race relations, abortion and affirmative action. In 2023, he announced that he would seek the Republican Party’s nomination for the US presidency.
What does he believe in?
Ramaswamy has said he would rule by fiat by making substantial use of the executive power if elected president. He has called for radical downsizing of the US government, including the abolition of the Department of Education and the Internal Revenue Service. On social policy, he has opposed traditional liberal positions and has publicly said that the US is founded on “Judeo-Christian” values. On the foreign policy front, Ramaswamy has criticized US support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. closer ties with India, but he also said he wanted India to play a role in closing the Straits of Malacca against China in case of conflict.
Does he have a chance to win?
Ramaswamy has certainly been gaining steam in recent weeks. A strong performance in the first candidate debate last week boosted his political stock. According to political website Five Thirty EightRamaswamy is third in the polls for the nomination, behind former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron De Santis. However, some question whether Ramaswamy, a Hindu, can gain support from Christian evangelical voters, who are a core part of the Republican party’s base.
Is he a controversial figure?
Indeed. In addition to his controversial political stances, critics have questioned how Ramaswamy amassed such a huge fortune by following the transactions of his pharmaceutical company Roivant. Axovant, a subsidiary of his company, backed a drug, inteperdin, that would be used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Ramaswamy spoke of the drug’s potential despite failing four trials. Anyway, Ramaswamy took Axovant public and its valuation soared. He then sold his shares for millions to an outside investor. However, Interperdine failed a fifth trial in 2017, sending Axovant’s value into a crater. His investors suffered serious losses, but Ramaswamy remained isolated.
