What does Vivek Ramaswamy’s future look like in Trump 2.0 after the likely snub of the foreign secretary?

Last updated:November 12, 2024 3:48 PM IST

Ramaswamy, a leading voice in Trump’s successful 2024 campaign, has reportedly been shortlisted for the post of secretary of state.

Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy became one of US President-elect Donald Trump’s fiercest supporters during his successful campaign for the White House in 2024. His forceful speeches endorsing Trump’s tough policies resonated with many voters and caught the attention of the likes of Elon Musk.

During the campaign, Ramaswamy competed against Trump for the presidential nomination in the GOP primaries and described himself as “Trump 2.0.” He and Trump largely avoided attacking each other during the primaries, and the president-elect praised Ramaswamy for doing “a hell of a job” after dropping out of the race

With Trump now set to form the next government, Ramaswamy was expected to play a major role in his second administration, which will take the reins from January 20 next year. However, according to multiple reports, Trump apparently rejected Ramaswamy for the secretary of state post, handing him over to Senator Marco Rubio.

This raises the million-dollar question of what role Ramaswamy would play in the Trump 2.0 Cabinet. With several senior positions still up for grabs, there is still a chance of the businessman getting a key post after Trump refused to invite another Indian-American Republican leader, Nikki Haley.

Did Trump promise Ramaswamy a position in his government?

The Republican primary debates were chaotic with Ramaswamy calling Haley “fascist” and “corrupt.” His succinct arguments put him in the spotlight as an outspoken supporter of Trump’s policies, calling him “the greatest president” in US history.

Shortly after declining his presidential bid, Ramaswamy strongly supported Trump and attacked Kamala Harris over her economic and immigration policies. Trump praised the young Indian-American businessman, describing him as “smart as hell” and noting that he initially provided tough competition in the race.

After withdrawing from the race in June, Ramaswamy said, “There is no better choice in this race than this man here. “Do the right thing and vote for Donald Trump as your next president.” Trump thanked Ramaswamy for his Support and said: “He will work with us.”

“I hope he will be integrated into our government,” Trump said last month, suggesting Ramaswamy could oversee major government initiatives. “We can put him in charge of one of these big monsters and he’ll do a better job than anyone else.” you can imagine.

Ramaswamy’s role in Trump’s administration

With weeks remaining until the final showdown between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, Ramaswamy was considered a possible vice presidential candidate until Trump chose Ohio Senator JD Vance for the role. Ramaswamy’s support for Trump remained resolute and his attacks on the Biden-Harris administration intensified. His regular speeches and interviews on the X platform increased support for Trump’s presidential candidacy.

Trump secured a landslide victory, winning 312 electoral votes to Harris’ 226 – with Republican victories in both the Senate and House of Representatives – making him one of the most powerful presidents in US history. He called on Republicans to stop “bidding on Harris/Biden” and called on Democrats to give Trump a chance.

In addition to Rubio, Vivek Ramaswamy was also reportedly being considered for the post of foreign minister ABC News. However, recent reports suggest that Trump has chosen Rubio over Ramaswamy for the position of top American diplomat.

In conversation with ABCRamaswamy appeared to hint at a possible role in Trump’s Cabinet, saying he has “some great options” ahead of him. He didn’t reveal any details about his role, but confirmed that he had had “influential discussions” about his future path. Ramaswamy is also considered the favorite for homeland security secretary, but newly appointed “border czar” Tom Homan is also in the running.

Media speculation now suggests that Ramaswamy may not seek an administrative job but instead seek the office of governor of Ohio in the 2026 election. The Indian-American GOP leader had expressed interest in filling the Ohio Senate seat being vacated by JD Vance when he assumes the role of incoming vice president.

Ramaswamy has a good chance of expanding his political influence in Ohio, which has increasingly sided with the Republican Party in recent election cycles, they say The Independent. As a senator, Ramaswamy could become the face of Trump’s immigration and border control policies for several years.

Location :

Washington DC, United States of America (USA)