In a candid interview with Fox News, the 38-year-old Republican presidential contender, Vivek Ramaswamy, has castigated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s appeal for additional US funds to support elections in the strife-torn nation. Ramaswamy, confident in his quest for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, unflinchingly reaffirmed his commitment to curtailing aid to Ukraine should he ascend to the presidency.
“I harbor reservations about appeasement, yet we must be unequivocal with the American populace,” Ramaswamy asserted. “The malevolence of Vladimir Putin, an undeniable autocrat, does not absolve Ukraine of its actions,” he added.
Highlighting Ukraine’s recent actions, Ramaswamy stated, “Ukraine, a nation that has proscribed eleven opposition parties, orchestrated the consolidation of media under state control, and witnessed its own president praising a Nazi figure within its ranks, has audaciously threatened the United States, insisting on increased funding as a prerequisite for permitting our own democratic processes this year.”
Despite currently ranking third or fourth in prominent national polls, Ramaswamy confidently declared his trajectory toward securing the Republican Party’s presidential nomination for the impending November 2024 elections. He remarked, “A mere half-year ago, or even just five months past, a significant portion of this nation remained unaware of my existence. Today, we find ourselves frequently placing third in nationwide polling averages, underscoring the resonance of our message.”
Conveying the essence of his candidacy, Ramaswamy stated, “This isn’t merely about me or the shadow of Trump. It’s about elevating the interests of America above all else. This message resonates nationwide, and to bridge the generational gap, it requires a leader of a different era to reach the next generation,” affirmed the Indian American leader.
In response to inquiries regarding his engagement on TikTok, Ramaswamy defended his decision, citing the presence of Democrats on the platform and denouncing perceived hypocrisy. He commented, “Democrats are active on this platform, and we ought to scrutinize the incongruity on display, as exemplified by Nikki Haley’s daughter’s use of TikTok while she publicly advocates distancing from it.”
Ramaswamy, advocating for open discourse, stated, “We must triumph in elections to effectuate change. We cannot confine ourselves to echo chambers. My goal is to secure decisive victories and to connect with young individuals to support policies such as prohibiting social media for children under the age of 16, a stance I endorse.”
Highlighting the need for frank discussions, Ramaswamy argued, “To enact policies such as declaring economic independence from China, we must engage in candid dialogues. Many Republicans, in my view, are dissembling. Consider companies like Airbnb, which, like TikTok or any other firm, capitulates user data to the Chinese Communist Party, despite being American-owned. The distinction is negligible.”
He concluded by emphasizing his belief in the American dream, asserting, “I am a testament to the existence of the American dream, having built multiple multibillion-dollar companies. Now is the opportune moment for a CEO in the White House. The challenges we face include surging prices, inflation, and escalating interest rates that affect mortgage affordability. Addressing these issues involves unleashing economic growth, harnessing American energy resources, and streamlining regulations.”
Vivek Ramaswamy’s assertive stance on issues, along with his rapidly advancing political trajectory, positions him as a noteworthy contender in the evolving landscape of American politics.
By PTI