In a surprising turn of events, US Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has leveled a sharp critique against former President Donald Trump. Speaking during a campaign stop in Ohio on September 21, Ramaswamy voiced his disappointment with Trump’s inability to fulfill his promise of repealing and replacing the healthcare overhaul initiated by Barack Obama. Ramaswamy, a staunch defender of Trump, emphasized that such commitments should not be dependent on Congress.
“I am never somebody who will make a false promise,” asserted Ramaswamy, adding, “My friend Donald Trump promised us: repeal and replace Obamacare. Eight years later, did it happen? No, it did not. It is a false promise.”
This rare criticism from the 38-year-old businessman, who is actively running against Trump in the 2024 Republican nomination, marks a significant moment in the political landscape. Despite currently holding third place in national polls, trailing behind Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Ramaswamy continues to campaign vigorously, putting forth various policy proposals.
One of his notable proposals focuses on reducing the United States’ reliance on China by curtailing imports of pharmaceuticals and industrial-base materials from China while fostering stronger trade ties with trusted allies. Regarding tax policy, Ramaswamy criticized Trump’s approach, stating, “Many presidents make mistakes by focusing on legislative matters first.”
During the first GOP debate, Ramaswamy pledged to pardon Trump if given the opportunity, going so far as to declare Trump as “the best president of the 21st century.” This declaration, made in a debate that Trump chose to skip, generated widespread criticism. When questioned about Trump’s indictment charges, the events of the January 6, 2021 insurrection, and the classified documents discovered at Trump’s Florida residence, Ramaswamy asserted in an interview with ABC’s “This Week” that he did not believe Trump had committed any illegal actions.
As Ramaswamy’s campaign gains momentum, it remains to be seen how this unexpected criticism of Trump will impact the dynamic of the 2024 Republican nomination race.
